This 5-Minute Marinara Will Make You Ditch Jarred Sauce Forever

This 5-Minute Marinara Will Make You Ditch Jarred Sauce Forever
Tired of bland, watery pasta sauce from a jar? Get ready to have your mind blown by this 5-minute homemade marinara that tastes like it simmered all day.
Trust me, once you try this quick and easy recipe, you’ll never go back to the store-bought stuff again.
Let’s dive into the secret behind this magical marinara, shall we?
Ingredients
- 1 28 oz can high-quality whole peeled tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons dry marsala wine
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Puree the canned tomatoes in a blender or food processor until smooth.
Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Pour in the pureed tomatoes, marsala wine, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil leaves.
That’s it! Your restaurant-quality marinara is ready to devour.
The Secret Weapon: Marsala Wine
Now, let’s talk about the game-changer in this recipe – marsala wine.
This dry fortified wine adds an incredible depth of flavor that will make your taste buds dance. It gives the sauce a subtle nuttiness and complexity that tricks your palate into thinking it’s been simmering for hours.
Don’t have marsala on hand? You can substitute with dry red wine, but trust me, it’s worth seeking out a bottle of marsala for this recipe.
Tips for Marinara Perfection
- Use San Marzano tomatoes if you can find them. Their sweet flavor and low acidity make for an exceptional sauce.
- Fresh basil is a must. The aromatic oils really elevate the flavor profile.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Let the sauce cool slightly before serving – it allows the flavors to meld even further.
Endless Possibilities
This versatile sauce isn’t just for pasta. Use it as a pizza base, a dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks, or the foundation for a quick chicken parmesan.
The best part? You can make a big batch and freeze portions for later use. Homemade marinara on demand – now that’s living the dream!
So put down that jar of store-bought sauce and give this 5-minute marvel a try. Your pasta (and your taste buds) will thank you.