Diane'S Marinara Sauce
Diane's Marinara Sauce offers a rich, savory tomato flavor with fresh herbs, perfect for complementing pasta dishes and suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dice the onion and press the garlic into a boiler.
- Cover with 1/2 inch water.
- Cook until the onions are soft.
- Add the crushed tomatoes.
- Do not add extra water.
- Add all seasonings to taste (basil, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper).
- Cover and simmer for at least 3 hours.
- Serve over large noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while simmering. If you don't have fresh herbs, dried herbs can be used at a 1:3 ratio. To enhance the sauce, sauté some red pepper flakes for heat or add a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes are too acidic. This marinara pairs beautifully with Spaghetti With Tomatoes And Basil.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the marinara sauce over large noodles for a hearty meal. It also works well as a base for an Antipasto Spread or as a dipping sauce for garlic bread. For a lighter option, consider pairing it with Chilled Pasta Salad. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the marinara sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Diane'S Marinara Sauce contains roughly 499 calories, with 16g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (262% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 73g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! You'll need about 6-8 medium-sized tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and crush them before adding to the sauce. Keep in mind that using fresh tomatoes may require a longer cooking time to achieve the right consistency.
How can I make this sauce vegetarian or vegan?
This marinara sauce is already vegan since it contains no animal products. However, ensure that any additional ingredients or pairings, like noodles, are also vegan-friendly. You can find many delicious vegan recipes that complement this sauce beautifully.
What can I add to the sauce for extra protein?
For added protein, consider stirring in some cooked lentils or white beans. These ingredients will not only boost the nutritional value but also enhance the texture of the sauce. You could also serve it with a protein-rich side, like a Bean-Pasta Soup Mix.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).