Slow Cooked Marinara Sauce

When it comes to pasta sauce, everyone knows that the best flavors develop through long, slow cooking. And what better way to achieve that than by using a slow cooker? The slow cooker allows for a simple yet incredibly flavorful marinara sauce that will leave you craving more. This recipe harnesses the power of time to create a rich and delicious sauce that is perfect for coating your favorite pasta. So, let’s dive into the world of slow-cooked marinara sauce and discover the magic that happens when simple ingredients are given the opportunity to mingle and intensify their flavors.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup (160 g) finely chopped onion
• ½ cup (65 g) finely chopped carrots
• ½ teaspoon chopped garlic
• 2 tablespoons (28 ml) olive oil
• 2 cans (28 ounces, or 785 g) no-salt-added crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) brown sugar

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, chopped carrots, and chopped garlic to the skillet. Sauté them in the oil until they become tender, being careful not to brown them.
3. Transfer the sautéed onion mixture to the slow cooker.
4. Add the no-salt-added crushed tomatoes and brown sugar to the slow cooker.
5. Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 10 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
7. After the cooking time is complete, remove the cover and stir the sauce well.
8. If you prefer a thicker marinara sauce, continue cooking on high heat, uncovered, for an additional hour.

YIELD: 12 servings

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• The longer you cook the marinara sauce, the more the flavors will develop. If you have the time, opt for the longer cooking duration to achieve a deeper flavor profile.
• Feel free to customize the sauce by adding your favorite herbs and spices. Oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes are popular choices to enhance the taste.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender and blend until desired consistency is reached.
• Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. It can also be frozen for longer storage. Thaw and reheat when ready to use.

TIPS:

• To save time on chopping, you can use pre-cut onion, carrot, and garlic from the grocery store. This will make the preparation process even more convenient.
• Opt for no-salt-added crushed tomatoes to have better control over the sodium content of the sauce. You can always adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
• Serve the slow-cooked marinara sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or linguine. Top it off with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for an added burst of flavor.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• 141 g water
• 54 calories (37% from fat, 8% from protein, 55% from carbs)
• 1 g protein
• 2 g total fat
• 0 g saturated fat
• 2 g monounsaturated fat
• 0 g polyunsaturated fat
• 8 g carbs
• 2 g fiber
• 5 g sugar
• 31 mg phosphorus
• 47 mg calcium
• 1 mg iron
• 22 mg sodium
• 290 mg potassium
• 1052 IU vitamin A
• 0 mg ATE vitamin E
• 14 mg vitamin C
• 0 mg cholesterol

Slow Cooked Marinara Sauce is the epitome of simplicity and flavor. By allowing the ingredients to mingle and develop their taste over hours of slow cooking, you create a sauce that is rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. This marinara sauce is versatile and can be paired with various pasta shapes, making it a staple in any pasta lover’s kitchen. So, take your time, let the slow cooker work its magic, and savor the deliciousness of this homemade marinara sauce.