Recipe Search: Marinara Sauce

[switch842]

Does anyone have a good recipe for a good but simple marinara sauce? I hate making pasta cos I just don't like any of the jarred sauces in the store. Something light, I don't like chunky tomatoes, something easy that preferably doesn't have to simmer all day. LOL

Thanks!

Comments

[gatehorse.livejournal.com]

I can't help you with marinara sauce cuz I've never figured that one out myself, but since you're looking because you want to make pasta, are you interested in pesto at all? It's super easy and quick (throw the 5 ingredients in the food processor and blend), full of flavor (whenever I bring leftovers to school, I invariably get a "that smells delicious!" comment), and I make a ton at a time and freeze it-so that when I need a quick dinner, I can just cook the pasta (and chicken, broccoli, or whatever I want to throw in it), pull out the frozen pesto, and voila! Of course, if you aren't a basil fan, it won't work, but I thought I'd toss the idea out there. I will be checking back to see if anyone has any good marinara recipes though, because I'd love to try that!

[switch842.livejournal.com]

Yeah, not a huge fan of pesto. I think it's OK but hubby is definitely NO on that.

[gatehorse.livejournal.com]

Oh well, it was a thought!

[ccmskatechick.livejournal.com]

Yeah - I need to type it out, it's all up in my head/mom's head. No crushed tomatoes, not heavy

[switch842.livejournal.com]

Thanks! :-)

[trika.livejournal.com]

I don't do 'recipes' but here's the basics I use:

Enough olive oil to saute chopped garlic and onion. More if you like them, less if you don't.
When the onions are soft and cooked through add a few well-chopped leaves of fresh basil or a teaspoonful of dried. A bit of oregano, if you like it. Salt and pepper too.
Pour in 2-28 oz. cans of tomatoes (get pureed if you don't like chunky tomatoes - I like diced or chopped) and a 6 oz. can of tomato paste. Bring up to a boil then simmer, covered, for a least an hour.

That's enough sauce to make a whole lasagna or baked ziti, or to serve some now and freeze some for later.

[switch842.livejournal.com]

That sounds easy enough. I was thinking something like that from all the cooking shows I watch, but I wasn't sure of how much tomatoes and all that.

Thanks!

[trika.livejournal.com]

It's basic but if you add chunky-cut green peppers and onions, it's great with sausage or meatballs. Add seasoned ground beef for a meat sauce. Add a bit of wine, chopped green peppers and mushrooms for fancier sauce. Chopped summer squash and zucchini for a nice light veggie sauce for over pasta. Pretty much whatever you like.

Oh, and you can add a teaspoonful or two of sugar to the batch if you like a sweeter sauce or if acidity it a problem.