This is my go-to marinara sauce. I make it in large batches at a time and freeze a few ziplock bags and/or containers with about 3 cups or 1 quart capacity. It’s a great base sauce in which to add meat, veggies, herbs etc.. to make it different each time or it’s great on it’s own with pasta, in dishes like lasagna or my eggplant parmesan.
Many people put carrots in their marinara but I don’t. If you prefer to add it by all means do so. I also only use San Marzano tomatoes. Some argue that the taste is no better than other tomatoes but hey, it’s my sauce and I do taste a difference so I use them:) If you don’t want to you don’t have to but I ask you to try it at least once-and make sure you get the San Marzanos from Italy. Those famous cans with the white backgrounds and purple and/or red tomatoes on the outside aren’t from Italy-they’re from Jersey. Read the labels. Spend a little extra for the best quality that you can get.
Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 small yellow onions, finely chopped
- 6 medium sized garlic cloves
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 4 28-32oz cans crushed San Marzano tomatoes (or peeled and crush with a potato masher)
- 4 bay leaves
Instructions
- In a large stock pot over medium heat add the olive oil. When it’s hot add the onion and garlic and saute until they’re translucent, about 10 minutes.
- Add the celery and saute until they’re soft, about another 10 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes, bay leaves and salt and pepper and stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer and cook, uncovered for between 1 and 3 hours.
If you’re going to package up the sauce for use at another time leave it out to cool.
Note: if you’re using peeled plum tomatoes you can crush them with the potato masher after you’ve added them to the pot. Crush as much or as little as you like.
Sparks from the Kitchen 