Ma Saya'S Marinara Tomato Sauce
A vibrant, flavorful marinara sauce with fresh garlic, basil, and a hint of crushed red pepper, perfect for pairing with pasta and suitable for any Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the crushed or whole Italian style tomatoes into a saucepan.
- Let the tomatoes simmer on medium heat with the lid on for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently.
- If using whole tomatoes, crush them before adding.
- Chop garlic cloves and fresh basil into small pieces and add to the pan.
- Add salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper to taste.
- Pour in the olive oil and let the sauce simmer uncovered on low heat for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve the sauce over fresh penne pasta and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, sauté the garlic in olive oil before adding the tomatoes. Use fresh tomatoes if available, and substitute crushed red pepper with fresh chili for a different heat profile. Fresh basil can be replaced with dried basil, but use less as dried herbs are more concentrated. This sauce can also be adapted for vegan recipes by ensuring no animal products are added.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the marinara sauce over freshly cooked penne pasta for a delightful meal. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a side salad, such as the Houston Summer Salad, for a complete dining experience. You can also use it as a base for dishes like lasagna or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers, where it can last for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ma Saya'S Marinara Tomato Sauce contains roughly 428 calories, with 11g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (352% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (45% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1039mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
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 canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned Italian style tomatoes are perfect for this marinara sauce, providing convenience and consistent flavor. They save time and are usually packed at peak freshness, making them a reliable choice for your sauce.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
To adjust the spiciness, vary the amount of crushed red pepper according to your taste. You can start with a small pinch and gradually add more, tasting as you go, to achieve your desired level of heat.
What can I substitute for fresh basil?
If fresh basil is not available, you can use dried basil instead. However, since dried herbs are more potent, use about one-third of the amount called for in fresh herbs. Alternatively, consider using fresh parsley or oregano for a different flavor profile.
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).