Grandmas Sunday Gravy a Classic Homemade Marinara
Recipe Introduction: Let's Get Saucy!
Fancy a proper taste of Italy tonight? Are you craving a sauce so good, it makes you wanna sing O Sole Mio at the top of your lungs? Then you've come to the right place.
I'm about to share my version of Grandma's Sunday Gravy: A Classic Homemade Marinara , and trust me, it's a game changer.
Quick Hook: From My Kitchen to Yours
Ever wonder why restaurant marinara always tastes better? The secret is in making it yourself. This homemade marinara sauce recipe is bursting with rich, tomatoey goodness and a hint of sweetness.
You will never want to go back to jarred sauce once you make this recipe.
Brief Overview: A Taste of Tradition
This recipe hails from the kitchens of Italian American grandmothers. It is a flavourful Italian marinara sauce recipe that brings back memories of family gatherings.
Making this sauce is easy but you need to be patient with it. This simple marinara sauce recipe takes about 1 hour to make.
It yields 6-8 servings, perfect for a family dinner.
Main Benefits: More Than Just a Sauce
Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. This sauce isn't just tasty, it's good for you too. This healthy homemade marinara sauce is great for a cosy Sunday dinner, or even a casual pizza night.
What makes this best ever marinara sauce recipe special is the love that goes into it.
From Our Hearts to Your Pans:
Honestly, this recipe is all about getting back to basics. And that means taking our time with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, garlic and basil. Just like the "Old Days"
It's a recipe that's been passed down with some minor tweaks, and it's guaranteed to become a new staple in your household.
It's also incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment and make it your own. I have been able to adjust it to make a homemade marinara sauce for pizza adding a pinch of pepper.
Ready to dive in? I am!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Saucy!
Alright, so you wanna make the best ever marinara sauce ? Brilliant! This section breaks down exactly what you'll need.
Think of it as your shopping list and toolbox all in one. Making a simple marinara sauce recipe shouldn't be complicated!
Main Ingredients for Your Marinara Masterpiece
- Extra virgin olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). This is your flavour base, so don't skimp! A good quality olive oil adds richness.
- Garlic: 4 cloves , minced (about 2 tablespoons). Fresh is best, honestly. You know that pungent aroma? That's what we want!
- Red pepper flakes (optional): 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml). For a little kick! I always add 'em.
- Crushed tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (794 g). high-quality crushed tomatoes are KEY! If you can swing it, go for San Marzano marinara recipe!
- Tomato sauce: 1 (15 ounce) can (425 g). This adds body to the sauce.
- Tomato paste: 1 (6 ounce) can (170 g). For concentrated tomato goodness!
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon (5 ml). Smells like pizza night, doesn't it?
- Dried basil: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml). Adds that classic Italian flavour.
- Dried thyme: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml). A little earthiness never hurt nobody.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml), plus more to taste. Seasoning is EVERYTHING.
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml), plus more to taste. Freshly cracked is best!
- Granulated sugar (optional): 1 teaspoon (5 ml). Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional). Adds a pop of colour and flavour.
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!
The combination of oregano, basil, and thyme is essential for that classic Italian marinara sauce recipe flavour. For a bit of a richer flavour, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika.
Honestly, a little goes a long way! For a flavour enhancer, add a 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder and onion powder.
Want a quick marinara sauce ? No thyme? Use Italian seasoning; it's got a mix of everything in one go! You can just as easily do this to make a delicious healthy homemade marinara sauce .
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Large pot or Dutch oven. You need space for all those tomatoes!
- Wooden spoon or heat resistant spatula. For stirring, obviously.
- Measuring spoons and cups. Precision is key, my friends!
Grandma's Sunday Gravy: A Classic Homemade Marinara
Honestly, who doesn't love a killer homemade marinara sauce recipe ? It's the bedrock of Italian cooking, really. We're making something close to the Best Ever Marinara Sauce today.
Think of this as your new go-to, the kinda sauce you can whip up anytime, and everyone will think you're a proper chef.
This ain't just any sauce; it's Grandma's Sunday Gravy .
Prep Like a Pro
Essential mise en place is key, folks. Get your garlic minced (four cloves should do it), herbs measured, and tomatoes ready.
It sounds boring, but it'll save you a right pickle later. Plus, measure out all your ingredients.
Time saving organization tips? Pre-chop your garlic. I always do this! Honestly, it's a game changer. It's the little things, innit?
Crafting the Best Authentic Spaghetti Sauce
This is where the magic happens.
- Sauté the garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Chuck in the four minced garlic cloves. If you want a bit of heat, now’s the time to add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Keep an eye on it. About 1- 2 minutes should do it. Don't burn the garlic! Nobody wants bitter sauce.
- Add tomatoes and simmer: Stir in one 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes , one 15-ounce can of tomato sauce , and one 6-ounce can of tomato paste . Then mix in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano , 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil , and 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme . Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper . I add 1 teaspoon of sugar too.
- Simmer, simmer, simmer: Bring it all to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, bung the lid on (but leave it slightly ajar), and let it bubble away for at least 45 minutes . Stir it now and again. For a richer, deeper flavour, simmer for 1- 2 hours.
- Taste and adjust: Have a taste. Add more salt, pepper, or sugar if it needs it. Take it off the heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if you're feeling fancy.
Ace the Homemade Marinara Sauce for Pizza
Here are some tips to take it to the next level. Don't rush the simmering! That's how the flavours really meld.
Simmering the sauce longer than you think is what it needs. The longer it cooks, the richer it gets.
Pro Tip: Use San Marzano marinara recipe . These tomatoes are the real deal. The end result is the best tomato sauce you'll ever make. Seriously.
Common mistakes? Burning the garlic. Keep the heat low and watch it like a hawk.
Want to get ahead? The simple marinara sauce recipe is perfect to make-ahead. You can make the Easy homemade pasta sauce one or two days in advance and store it in the fridge.
Just warm it up before serving. It actually tastes better the next day!
I hope you loved my simple and Quick marinara sauce !
Recipe Notes for the Best Ever Marinara Sauce
This homemade marinara sauce recipe isn't rocket science, promise! But like all good things, a few tips and tricks can elevate it from "nice" to "Oh my gosh, this is the best marinara ever!" Let's dive in.
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Right, so you've slaved over your Italian marinara sauce recipe . Now, let's make it look fancy, eh? For pasta, twirl it beautifully on the plate.
A sprinkle of fresh basil? Absolutely. Feeling flash? Drizzle with a touch of extra virgin olive oil. For pizza, spread a thin, even layer for the perfect base.
A simple side salad works wonders. As for drinks? A glass of red wine, or even just a nice sparkling water, pairs beautifully.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Honestly, I always make a massive batch of this simple marinara sauce recipe . It's great to have on hand. This sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Want to freeze it? No problem! Portion it out into freezer bags or containers. It'll last for up to 3 months.
When reheating, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, gently warm it on the stovetop.
Variations: Tweak It to Your Taste
Fancy a bit of a change? No bother! For a healthy homemade marinara sauce , use a sugar substitute like stevia or leave it out altogether.
Honestly, the tomatoes are sweet enough sometimes anyway. Vegetarian? This recipe's already veggie friendly, but you could chuck in some roasted veggies like bell peppers and aubergine for extra goodness.
During summer, using fresh, ripe tomatoes from your garden, you can try our San Marzano marinara recipe and it will be a game changer.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Okay, I'm no expert, but this quick marinara sauce is packed with goodness. Tomatoes are full of vitamins. Plus, all those herbs add extra flavour and antioxidants.
Just remember, it's best as part of a balanced diet, innit? Using fresh ingredients is always a plus.
Honestly, making your own marinara is so rewarding. It's simple, delicious, and way better than anything you can buy in a jar.
So, give this easy homemade pasta sauce a go. You won't regret it! This homemade marinara sauce for pizza is also the best, trust me.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is making a homemade marinara sauce recipe really worth the effort compared to just buying a jar?
Absolutely! While jarred sauces are convenient, making your own homemade marinara sauce recipe allows you to control the ingredients and flavour profile. Plus, there's a certain satisfaction that comes with creating something delicious from scratch.
Think of it as a bit of culinary therapy much better than binge watching The Crown for the fifth time!
How can I make my homemade marinara sauce recipe taste even better?
The secret's in the simmer! Don't rush the cooking process; let the sauce gently bubble away for at least an hour, or even longer if you have time. This allows the flavours to meld and deepen.
Also, using high-quality tinned tomatoes (San Marzano if you can find them) makes a huge difference, similar to how a good cuppa starts with decent tea leaves. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning to your preferences.
What if my homemade marinara sauce recipe turns out too acidic?
Acidity can sometimes be an issue with tomato based sauces. The recipe includes a teaspoon of sugar, which usually does the trick, but you can add a little more, a quarter of a teaspoon at a time, until you get the balance right.
Another trick is to add a pinch of baking soda it neutralizes acidity but be careful not to add too much as it can affect the flavour and cause fizzing!
Can I freeze my homemade marinara sauce? And how long will it last?
You certainly can! Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to freezer safe containers or zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. Homemade marinara sauce will happily keep in the freezer for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality.
When you're ready to use it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight or gently warm it on the stovetop.
I want to make a spicy version of this homemade marinara sauce recipe. How much red pepper flakes should I add?
The recipe calls for a 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, which gives a gentle warmth. For a noticeably spicier marinara, start with 1 teaspoon and taste as you go. If you're a proper chili head and enjoy a good kick, you could even add a finely chopped fresh chilli (like a red jalapeño) when sautéing the garlic just remember to remove the seeds if you want to control the heat level!
Grandmas Sunday Gravy A Classic Homemade Marinar
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 120-150 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 6-8g |
| Fiber | 3-4g |
