How to Make Mariarana Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever craved the rich, flavors of Mediterranean cuisine but found store-bought sauces lack that that certain je ne sais quoi? Let's dive into crafting your perfect marinara sauce from scratch using fresh tomatoes, and make sure your family and friends will be wanting more!

Ingredients and Equipment

To get started, you'll need the following fresh tomatoes, vegetables, and seasonings:

8-12 Roma tomatoes (good-sized, peeled) 1 large onion, sliced 3-4 cloves of garlic (minced or finely chopped) Chopped or minced bell peppers (optional, for a little kick) 1-2 tsp of dried or fresh oregano Sugar (a pinch to balance acidity) 1.5 cups of chicken broth 1 can of San Marzano crushed tomatoes or 29 oz. Hunts 2 tbsp of olive oil Wine (red or white, as per your preference, for depth of flavor) Salt and pepper to taste Cheese (optional, like Parmesan, Romano, or Asiago for a creamy finish)

Tools You'll Need

Large pot (Dutch oven or a large stockpot) Cooking utensils: wooden spoon, kitchen tongs, etc. Optional: Instant Pot or slow cooker for easy preparation

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Let's begin with preparing your fresh tomatoes and other ingredients. Once ready, it's time to get cooking!

Preparing the Tomatoes

Wash 8-10 Roma tomatoes. While your Instant Pot or slow cooker heats up (if using), remove the hard white cores from the tomatoes and cut them into quarters.

Prepping the Vegetables

Chop one large onion into thick slices. Mince or chop 3-4 large cloves of garlic. If you enjoy a bit of spice, add a few red pepper flakes. It's always better to start with a little spice and add more to taste!

Sautéing and Adding Herbs

In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the sautéed onions followed by the sautéed bell peppers and minced or smashed garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Add the oregano and a pinch of sugar. This step is crucial for bringing out the flavors!

Incorporating Other Ingredients

Next, add the chicken broth, San Marzano or crushed tomatoes, and cook everything together. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as necessary. You can add a splash of wine to enhance the flavor further. Stir in 1/2 cup of wine, adding more until it reaches your desired consistency.

Cooking and Fine-Tuning

Cover the pot and simmer the sauce for hours on a low or medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. For a richer, more intense flavor, you can use your Instant Pot or slow cooker. In the slow cooker, set to low for at least 6 hours. The longer it cooks, the more flavorful and intense the taste becomes.

Finishing Touches and Adjustments

Taste and adjust as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of water to thin it down. Your goal is a balance of flavors that pleases your taste buds. Once the sauce has achieved your desired flavor, it's ready to serve. You can also adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

Optional Cheese and Blending

For an extra bit of cheesiness, you can add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of Parmesan, Romano, or Asiago cheese. Blend the cheese into the sauce using an immersion blender until it's smooth or keep it chunkier for a different texture.

Storage and Serving

Now that you've made your amazing marinara sauce, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, simply warm it up and serve it with your favorite Italian pasta. Enjoy the incredible taste of homemade marinara sauce that pleases both your palate and your family and friends!

Whether you prefer a smoother or chunkier sauce, this recipe offers the flexibility to create the perfect marinara sauce for your favorite pasta dishes. Bon Appétit!