In my quest to continue learning new things in 2011, my project for January was to make homemade marinara sauce for use with spaghetti, as pizza sauce, etc.I didn't realize how simple this process was! I tried a couple of different recipes, and this one is the winner so far. I clipped the original recipe from a magazine and adapted it a bit. Not wanting to have an abundance of sauce that we might not like, I halved the recipe. Next time, I'll double it to have extra to use in other dishes or to freeze for later.
Marinara Sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 large can (28 ounces) tomato sauce
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Sea salt and black pepper
1/2 tablespoon oregano
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the onion and garlic until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato sauce, red-pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a dash of pepper. Simmer, covered, until thickened, about 25 minutes. Stir in oregano, season to taste with additional salt and pepper, and serve.
Thanks to those of you who shared your sauce recipes when I posted about this last month! I'm going to try a couple more before I settle on my favorite.
I was surprised at how much we liked the "kick" the red pepper flakes gave the sauce. Do you have a secret ingredient that you add to make yours special?
photo courtesy public domain pictures
Linked to Tasty Tuesday hosted by Balancing Beauty and Bedlam.
looks like a good recipe - I'll have to try it and see what my husband thinks, since he is the spicy food expert!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting on my girls photos! We use a local Portrait Innovations as well and have been thrilled with the price and the end results :)
Aurie,
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy the recipe! It wasn't as spicy as I was afraid it might be (my husband's the opposite - not a spicy foods fan!); it just added a unique flavor to the sauce.
We've also had good results with Portrait Innovations. They take so many pictures, though, that it's always hard to narrow it down to my favorites!!
Sounds delicious!! I've actually never made my own pasta sauce. I've been using canned tomato sauce for when I make calzones and pizza and I like to add a little garlic, salt and Basil. It gives a nice flavor. I love the kick red pepper flakes add to pizza. I'll have to try it in the sauce. Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteHope we'll see you Thursday for Mama's Heart!
Have a great day,
Erin
Erin,
ReplyDeleteI've been using Ragu for years - straight out of the jar! I like that you customize your canned sauce with your own seasonings. This original marinara sauce recipe called for some fresh basil, but I didn't have any, so left it out. When I make it again, I'll try it with basil since I like that flavor.
Planning to link up on Thursday!
Hope you have a great day as well!
I like red pepper flakes in mine too!
ReplyDeleteRaising two girls myself. Aren't we lucky?
Andrea,
ReplyDeleteIt truly is a blessing - and lots of fun, along with a dose of drama! - to parent two girls!
Tracey -- Thanks for stopping by my blog. I appreciated you comments and hope the muffins are a hit in your home. =)
ReplyDeleteMy spaghetti sauce has brown sugar and chili powder in it. The combination of sweet and heat is my husband's favorite.
Emma
City Roots, Country Life
Emma,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great combination! I'll have to add that to my next attempt!
Enjoy your homecooked meal tonight!