Introduction
In the world of cooking, few things are as satisfying as a bowl of homemade marinara sauce. Its rich flavors can elevate any dish, and with a slow cooker, it becomes effortless to prepare. This recipe features a blend of wholesome ingredients that promise to create a delicious sauce perfect for pasta, pizza, or any meal that needs a touch of Italian flair.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 cans (800g/28oz each can) crushed tomatoes
1 can (170 g / 6 oz) tomato paste
1 medium brown onion (or white or yellow), diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 bay leaves (dried or fresh)
1 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
1 tbsp dried basil
2 tsp dried oregano
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Prep Time
Preparation for this marinara sauce is straightforward and quick. Simply gather all your ingredients, chop the onion and garlic, and you are ready to go.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low in a slow cooker
Total Time: Approximately 6 to 8 hours (plus prep time)
Yield: Serves 4 hungry people or 6 normal servings
Once prepared, this marinara sauce can not only be enjoyed immediately but can also be refrigerated or frozen for future meals. Its versatility makes it a staple in many kitchens!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients: crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, diced onion, minced garlic, bay leaves, brown sugar (or honey), dried basil, dried oregano, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Combine in Slow Cooker
In the slow cooker, combine the 2 cans of crushed tomatoes, 1 can of tomato paste, diced onion, minced garlic, 2 bay leaves, 1 tbsp of brown sugar (or honey), 1 tbsp of dried basil, 2 tsp of dried oregano, 2 tbsp of olive oil, 1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar, 1 1/2 tsp of salt, and 1/2 tsp of black pepper.
Step 3: Set Cooking Time
Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours.
Step 4: Optional Pureeing
After cooking, optionally remove the bay leaves. Use a handheld blender to puree the sauce until smooth or to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Cooling and Storage
Allow the marinara sauce to cool before refrigerating or freezing for later use.
Step 6: Prepare Pasta
To use the marinara sauce for pasta, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until just before al dente.
Step 7: Sauté Aromatics
In a separate pan, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil. Add minced garlic and diced onion, cooking until translucent.
Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add 2 cups of marinara sauce per 500g (1 lb) of dried pasta to the sautéed garlic and onion mixture. Bring the sauce to a rapid simmer before adding the cooked pasta.
Step 9: Adjust Consistency
Add 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water to the pan. Cook the pasta in the sauce for 1 to 2 minutes until the pasta reaches al dente and the sauce thickens to coat the noodles.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the pasta with marinara sauce, enough for 4 hungry people or 6 normal servings.
Notes
Ingredient Alternatives
You can use different varieties of tomatoes for added flavor; however, crushed tomatoes are recommended for a smoother sauce.
Storage Tips
The marinara sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
This marinara sauce pairs well with various pasta types and can also be used as a base for pizzas or as a dipping sauce.
Cook techniques
Slow Cooking
Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Set for 6 to 8 hours on low to allow flavors to meld and develop.
Blending
After cooking, remove bay leaves and use a handheld blender to puree the sauce until smooth or to your desired consistency.
Pasta Cooking
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until almost al dente.
Sautéing
In a separate pan, heat olive oil and add minced garlic and diced onion. Cook until the onion is translucent for added flavor.
Sauce Integration
Once the onions are cooked, add 2 cups of marinara sauce per 500g/1lb of dried pasta to the pan. Bring the sauce to a rapid simmer.
Pasta Finishing
Add the nearly al dente pasta to the sauce along with 1/4 cup of pasta water, cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to thicken the sauce and coat the pasta.
FAQ
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you’ll need to peel and crush them, which may affect the cooking time.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
Honey can be used as a substitute for brown sugar if desired.
Can I freeze the marinara sauce?
Yes, allow the sauce to cool before refrigerating or freezing for later use.
How long can I store this sauce in the refrigerator?
The marinara sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
What type of pasta is best for this sauce?
This marinara sauce pairs well with various types of pasta, including spaghetti, penne, and fusilli.
Conclusion
This marinara sauce is a simple and versatile foundation for a variety of dishes. Its rich flavors from the crushed tomatoes, aromatic spices, and a hint of sweetness ensure that it complements any meal, whether it’s a classic pasta dish or a pizza topping. The slow-cooking method allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, creating a homemade sauce that elevates any cuisine.
Pasta Primavera
Use the marinara sauce as a base for a vibrant pasta primavera by adding seasonal vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Sauté the vegetables before mixing them with the sauce and cooked pasta.
Meatball Sub Sandwiches
Create delicious meatball sub sandwiches by simmering cooked meatballs in the marinara sauce. Serve on fresh sub rolls and top with melted cheese for a hearty meal.
Shakshuka
Transform the marinara sauce into a shakshuka by cracking eggs directly into the simmering sauce. Cook until the eggs are set, and serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Pasta Bake
Combine cooked pasta with marinara sauce, cooked Italian sausage, and mozzarella cheese. Transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly for a comforting pasta bake.
Chicken Parmesan
Use the marinara sauce as a topping for breaded and baked chicken cutlets. Add cheese on top and serve with spaghetti for a classic chicken parmesan dish.
Vegetarian Chili
Incorporate the marinara sauce into a vegetarian chili by adding beans, corn, and bell peppers. Let it simmer to blend the flavors for a hearty and satisfying meal.
