Marinara Sauce De Bella Napoli
A rich, flavorful marinara sauce with fresh herbs and garlic, perfect for pasta lovers and ideal for hearty Italian meals that impress family and guests alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In two large bowls, separate the juice from the plum tomatoes and set aside.
- Pour olive oil into a large saucepan and turn the heat to medium-high.
- Chop a good amount of fresh parsley and sauté in olive oil with garlic cloves until the garlic is golden.
- Reduce heat to low and let cool slightly.
- Crush the plum tomatoes with your hands until considerably crushed into smaller pieces.
- Add the crushed tomatoes to the saucepan with olive oil and garlic.
- Increase heat to medium-high and fry the mixture for approximately 15 minutes.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and let cool for a few minutes.
- Pour in the juice from the tomatoes into the saucepan.
- Add remaining parsley, lots of basil, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Cook on medium-low for approximately 1 1/2 hours, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of red wine while cooking. If fresh herbs are unavailable, you can use dried basil and parsley, but adjust the quantity down as dried herbs are more concentrated. To enhance the sauce, try adding a teaspoon of sugar to balance acidity from the tomatoes. This sauce also complements dishes like White Spaghetti beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This marinara sauce is perfect over pasta, particularly with a side of crusty bread for dipping. It also pairs nicely with Pizza Bread Dough for a homemade pizza night. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside Italian-Style Beans or as a topping for baked chicken. Garnish with additional fresh basil for an aromatic finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil if the sauce thickens too much. You can also freeze the sauce for up to three months; just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marinara Sauce De Bella Napoli contains roughly 15 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 2-3 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Blanch them to remove the skins, then crush them and proceed with the recipe as usual. This will give you a fresher flavor, but the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the water content of the tomatoes.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add heat to your marinara sauce, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes during the sautéing stage with the garlic and parsley. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. Alternatively, you can add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Is this marinara sauce suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This marinara sauce is entirely plant-based, making it a great option for vegan recipes. Just ensure that your canned tomatoes don't contain any non-vegan additives, and you're all set to enjoy a delicious, cruelty-free dish.
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).