Ina Garten Marinara Sauce
Ina Garten Recipes

Ina Garten Marinara Sauce Recipe

Ina Garten’s Marinara Sauce is a simple, yet incredibly flavorful, Italian classic that enhances any dish it touches. Made with just a few basic ingredients, this sauce is a versatile favorite in any kitchen. It’s perfect for everything from pasta to pizza, or even as a dipping sauce. With its rich tomato flavor and aromatic herbs, this marinara adds a delicious touch to your meal, making it a reliable go-to for both everyday dinners and special occasions.

What is Ina Garten Marinara Sauce?

Ina Garten’s Marinara Sauce is a classic tomato sauce made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a blend of Italian herbs. The sauce is simmered to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld together into a rich, hearty sauce. It’s a versatile base that can be used for pasta dishes, as a pizza sauce, or as a flavorful addition to many other recipes.

Ina Garten Marinara Sauce

Other Ina Garten Recipes

Why You Should Try This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this sauce is both easy to make and full of flavor.
  • Versatile: This marinara sauce can be used in a wide range of dishes, from pasta to pizza and beyond.
  • Rich Flavor: The slow simmering process deepens the flavor of the tomatoes, making this sauce taste like it’s been cooking all day.
  • Healthy: With its focus on fresh ingredients and no added sugars, this sauce is a healthy addition to any meal.
  • Quick to Prepare: Despite its rich flavor, this sauce comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Marinara Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (28 ounces each) of whole peeled tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon of dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
  • 1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

  • Large saucepan or Dutch oven: This is used to sauté the onions and simmer the sauce.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the sauce as it cooks.
  • Blender or Immersion Blender: For pureeing the sauce to your desired consistency.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: These are used to measure the ingredients accurately.
  • Chef’s Knife: For chopping the onions and garlic.
  • Cutting Board: To prepare your ingredients.

Instructions to Make Ina Garten Marinara Sauce

  1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 8-10 minutes until they are soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  2. Add the Tomatoes: Carefully add the canned tomatoes to the pan, including the juice. Use a wooden spoon to break up the tomatoes into smaller pieces.
  3. Season the Sauce: Stir in the sugar (if using), salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine.
  4. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  5. Blend the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the sauce to your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can transfer the sauce to a blender and puree in batches.
  6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
  7. Serve: If using fresh basil, stir it into the sauce just before serving. The sauce can be served immediately over pasta, used as a pizza base, or stored for later use.
Ina Garten Marinara Sauce Recipe

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Marinara Sauce

  • Pasta: Serve over spaghetti, penne, or any pasta of your choice.
  • Pizza: Use as a base for homemade pizza.
  • Meatballs: A perfect pairing with meatballs for a classic Italian-American dish.
  • Eggplant Parmesan: Layer with fried eggplant slices for a hearty vegetarian dish.
  • Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread for dipping.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Ina Garten Marinara Sauce

  • Use High-Quality Tomatoes: Opt for good-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor. San Marzano tomatoes are a great choice.
  • Simmer Slowly: Allow the sauce to simmer gently to develop its rich, deep flavors.
  • Don’t Skip the Garlic: Garlic adds a depth of flavor that’s essential to a good marinara sauce.
  • Adjust Sweetness: If the sauce tastes too acidic, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavors.
  • Customize the Texture: Blend the sauce to your desired consistency—smooth or chunky—depending on your preference.

Variations of Ina Garten Marinara Sauce

  • Spicy Marinara: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
  • Herb-Infused Marinara: Add a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary while the sauce simmers for an herbal twist.
  • Vegetable Marinara: Add finely chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the sautéed onions for extra nutrition and flavor.
  • Meat Marinara: Brown ground beef or Italian sausage and add it to the sauce for a hearty meat marinara.
  • Wine Marinara: Add a splash of red or white wine after sautéing the onions and garlic, allowing it to reduce before adding the tomatoes.

Storing Ina Garten Marinara Sauce: Best Practices

  • Refrigerate Properly: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze for Later: This sauce freezes well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Ina Garten Marinara Sauce: Best Practices

  • Stovetop Method: Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
  • Microwave Method: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, cover them, and stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

How Can I Make Ina Garten Marinara Sauce Healthier?

  • Reduce the Olive Oil: Use less olive oil for a lighter version of the sauce.
  • Skip the Sugar: Omit the sugar entirely if you prefer a more natural, unsweetened sauce.
  • Add More Vegetables: Incorporate more vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added fiber and nutrients.
  • Use Low-Sodium Tomatoes: Opt for low-sodium canned tomatoes to control the salt content.
  • Whole Wheat Pasta: Serve the marinara over whole wheat pasta for a healthier, fiber-rich meal.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 90
  • Total Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Protein: 2g

FAQs

How do I prevent Ina Garten Marinara Sauce from becoming too acidic?

To prevent the sauce from becoming too acidic, use high-quality canned tomatoes and consider adding a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity. Simmering the sauce for a longer period can also help mellow out the acidity.

Can I make Ina Garten Marinara Sauce ahead of time?

Yes, this sauce can be made ahead of time. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat it gently on the stovetop before using.

What pasta works best with Ina Garten Marinara Sauce?

Any pasta can work well with this marinara sauce, but classics like spaghetti, penne, and rigatoni are particularly good at holding onto the sauce. Choose your favorite pasta shape to enjoy with this versatile sauce.

Can I add fresh herbs to Ina Garten Marinara Sauce?

Yes, fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added at the end of cooking to brighten the sauce with a fresh, herbal note. Fresh oregano or thyme can also be used for additional flavor.

Final Words

Ina Garten’s Marinara Sauce is a versatile, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for a wide variety of dishes. With its rich tomato base and aromatic herbs, this sauce is a staple that every home cook should have in their repertoire.

Related Recipes By Garin:

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Ina Garten Marinara Sauce

Ina Garten Marinara Sauce Recipe

  • Author: Garin Elwood
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 30
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

Ina Garten’s Marinara Sauce is a classic tomato sauce made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a blend of Italian herbs. The sauce is simmered to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld together into a rich, hearty sauce. It’s a versatile base that can be used for pasta dishes, as a pizza sauce, or as a flavorful addition to many other recipes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (28 ounces each) of whole peeled tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon of dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
  • 1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 8-10 minutes until they are soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  2. Add the Tomatoes: Carefully add the canned tomatoes to the pan, including the juice. Use a wooden spoon to break up the tomatoes into smaller pieces.
  3. Season the Sauce: Stir in the sugar (if using), salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine.
  4. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  5. Blend the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the sauce to your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can transfer the sauce to a blender and puree in batches.
  6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
  7. Serve: If using fresh basil, stir it into the sauce just before serving. The sauce can be served immediately over pasta, used as a pizza base, or stored for later use.

AboutGarin Elwood

I'm Chef Garin Elwood, excited to have you here! With over ten years of culinary experience, I’m here to make gourmet cooking easy for everyone.

At Garin Cooking Recipes, you’ll find a wide range of simple yet delicious recipes that are perfect for any home cook. From quick dinners to special occasion meals, every recipe is designed to be both enjoyable to make and great to eat.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating