Basic Marinara Sauce

A good Marinara Sauce is a fundamental component of Italian cuisine, and it’s incredibly versatile in many dishes. This Basic Marinara Sauce recipe provides a simple yet delicious foundation for a wide range of recipes. Whether you’re making pasta, pizza, or other Italian-inspired dishes, this sauce serves as a flavorful base. Plus, it’s easy to customize – for a “meaty” twist, you can add cooked Boca Ground Crumbles. With this recipe serving 4-6, you’ll have enough to share with family and friends.

Serves 4–6

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (14-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Begin by adding the olive oil to your pressure cooker and sauté the diced onion until it turns golden brown.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, sugar, tomato paste, and water to the sautéed onions and garlic.
4. Lock the lid into place on your pressure cooker and bring it to high pressure. Once the pressure is achieved, turn the heat to low and cook for about 5 minutes.
5. After the 5 minutes of cooking, remove the pressure cooker from heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.
6. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped basil. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Now that your Basic Marinara Sauce is ready, here are some delicious ways to use it:

USES:

• Pasta Sauce: Toss it with your favorite pasta for a classic and comforting meal.
• Pizza Sauce: Spread it on pizza dough as a flavorful pizza sauce base, then add your preferred toppings and cheese.
• Rice or Quinoa Bowl: Drizzle it over a bowl of cooked rice or quinoa, along with sautéed vegetables and your choice of protein for a quick and tasty meal.
• Stews and Soups: Use it as a base for stews, soups, and chilis to infuse them with tomato goodness.
• Eggs in Purgatory: Make shakshuka or “eggs in purgatory” by poaching eggs in the sauce for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
• Meatball Subs: Use it as a sauce for meatball subs, simmering meatballs in the sauce and placing them in a sub roll with melted cheese.
• Chicken Parmesan: Top breaded and cooked chicken breasts with this sauce and melted cheese for a classic Chicken Parmesan dish.
• Dipping Sauce: Serve it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, garlic bread, or mozzarella sticks.

This Basic Marinara Sauce is a versatile and essential addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you use it as a foundation for traditional Italian dishes or get creative with its applications, its rich and authentic tomato flavor is sure to enhance your culinary creations. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of homemade marinara sauce!