Basic Marinara

Submitted by Cook4_6

"This is a very basic Marinara that can be embellished depending on your mood. Variations, add onion and/or peppers while cooking garlic. Add ¼ cup red wine after garlic is cooked and let it reduce by 50% before adding tomatoes….it depends on what I have on hand…but this is the basic and simple sauce!"

 

• Ready In: 40mins
• Ingredients: 8
• Serves: 8-10

ingredients

• 56 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 29 ounces diced tomatoes, petite preferrably
• 1⁄4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 -4 garlic cloves, large minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 sprig fresh basil
• 1⁄2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional)

directions

1. Heat the olive oil and garlic together until golden and fragrant.
2. Add the tomatoes, salt and basil sprig. Stir well to combine, bring to a boil then reduce to simmer. Simmer no less than 30 minutes, the longer the better. (I sometimes put in a crock pot and let it cook on low all afternoon).
3. Just before serving add the chopped basil, and taste test for acidity level. If it tastes a bit too acidic, you can add the butter to mellow the flavor. Some people add a pinch of sugar to balance it instead.