italian essentials: marinara sauce

Name: Italian Essentials: Marinara Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ## PLAN/PURCHASE; 1 tablespoon(s) extra-virgin olive oil; 2 - 3 slice(s) slab bacon, diced; 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped or grated; 2 clove(s) garlic, minced; 28 ounce(s) crushed tomatoes, 1 can, with juice; 8 ounce(s) tomato sauce, 1 can; 2 teaspoon(s) dried basil; 1/4 teaspoon(s) dried oregano; salt, kosher variety, to taste; white pepper, freshly ground, to taste

26 Pinches 16 Photos

Andy Anderson !

Wichita, KS

Updated on Sep 27, 2021

This is an excellent sauce that began with a recipe from my Aunt Josephine and evolved into what it is today. Great over pasta, or just drizzled over a few meatballs and baked with some mozzarella. You can also make the sauce the day before and let it mellow in the fridge before using (which is what I do). And it does freeze well. A minimum of ingredients, but sometimes the best recipes come from just a few ingredients. So, you ready… Let’s get into the kitchen.

Rate

prep time 15 Min

cook time 1 Hr

method Stove Top

yield 4 - 5

Ingredients

PLAN/PURCHASE
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 - 3 slices slab bacon, diced
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped or grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
28 ounces crushed tomatoes, 1 can, with juice
8 ounces tomato sauce, 1 can
2 teaspoons dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
salt, kosher variety, to taste
white pepper, freshly ground, to taste

How To Make italian essentials: marinara sauce

Step 1

PREP/PREPARE

Step 2

You will need a large saucepan to make this recipe.
Step 3

Storage of homemade condiments and spices, and Sauces Because homemade spices and condiments do not contain any preservatives, it is important to store them properly. Non-reactive (glass) containers with tight-fitting lids are a must. If I am making a dry spice, I love to use old spice bottles that I have run through the dishwasher. If I am doing homemade sauces, I love using Weck jars. They are all glass, come in all sizes and shapes, and have excellent leakproof lids. If you shop online, you can go to Amazon, and type in “Weck Jars” and you will find a ton of them. Dry spices should be kept in a cool space, away from sunlight (spice cabinet), and sauces, in most cases, should be stored in the fridge. If properly stored, this recipe should last 8 – 10 weeks in the fridge, or several months, if frozen.
Step 4

Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
Step 5

Add the oil to a large saucepan over medium-low heat.
Step 6

Add the diced bacon, and slowly cook until the fat has rendered and the bacon crisps, about 10 – 12 minutes.
Step 7

Remove the bacon from the pan with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels, and reserve for another recipe.
Step 8

Add the onions to the bacon grease and cook until softened and translucent, about 3 – 4 minutes.
Step 9

Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 60 seconds.
Step 10

Add the tomatoes and sauce, then bring up to a light boil.
Step 11

Add the basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 12

Reduce heat and simmer until the sauce begins to thicken, about 40 – 45 minutes.
Step 13

Do a final tasting for proper seasoning.
Step 14

Allow the sauce to cool slightly, then work in batches and blend until smooth.
Step 15

Use immediately, or properly store in the fridge or freezer until needed.
Step 16

PLATE/PRESENT
Step 17

Use any time you want a great tasting Italian sauce. Enjoy.
Step 18

Keep the faith and keep cooking.
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