Time to put those canned tomatoes to good use! This recipe can include any variety of veggies that suits your taste, and will pair perfectly with homemade pasta (check out our video for homemade pasta.) Marinara sauce is rich in vitamins from the garlic, onions, and tomatoes. Give your immune system a little boost with this incredible tasty recipe.
Tip: you can freeze the extra sauce and save it for later to make a quick, nutritious meal that can be ready in minutes.
Marinara Sauce
Makes 8 cups
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced, optional
2 carrots, finely diced, optional
1 stalk of celery, finely diced, optional
3 cloves garlic, or substitute 1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 cup fresh basil leaves, optional
2 28-ounce cans whole tomatoes, or substitute canned crushed or diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Optional herbs:
- Bay leaf
- Marjoram
- Oregano
- Rosemary
- Thyme
Procedure:
- Heat a heavy bottomed pot over medium- high heat. Saute carrot, onion, celery, and garlic in olive oil 3-5 minutes.
- Add dried seasoning and herbs of choice, mix. (This allows the herbs to release aromatics.)
- Add tomatoes, mix. Lower heat to a simmer and cover. Allow to simmer for 45 minutes.
- Check the softness of the tomatoes with a wooden spoon. If the tomatoes are soft, break them down with a spoon. Taste and season accordingly.
Notes:
- For smoother consistency, once sauce has cooled, run it through a properly vented blender.
- For thicker sauce, allow to simmer for up to an additional 45 minutes.
- Sauce can be made entirely with shelf stable items if you don’t have the fresh ingredients on hand.
- This recipe can be scaled easily and freezes very well. Store in the freezer up to four months.
- Great for pizza, over pasta, or alone.
