Tommaso'S Marinara Sauce
Tommaso's Marinara Sauce is a rich, flavorful Italian tomato-based sauce with garlic, herbs, and vegetables, perfect for pasta lovers seeking authentic taste.
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, crushed and minced
- 1 rib celery, minced ⓘ
- 2 carrots, minced ⓘ
- 24 Italian plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 c. parsley, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 c. dry white vermouth ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
Instructions
- Place olive oil in a medium-sized saucepan and heat until almost smoking.
- Add chopped onion, crushed minced garlic, minced celery, minced carrots, and chopped green bell pepper. Saute until semi-cooked.
- Add peeled, seeded, and chopped tomatoes, chopped parsley, basil, oregano, and dry white vermouth.
- Simmer the sauce for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over pasta of choice and sprinkle with freshly grated imported Romano or Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar. If you don’t have dry white vermouth, you can substitute with dry white wine or chicken broth. For a vegetarian version, replace the vermouth with vegetable broth. Fresh tomatoes are ideal, but canned tomatoes work in a pinch. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This marinara sauce is perfect over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne. It pairs beautifully with a side of Crunchy Veggie Salad for a complete meal. You can also use it as a base for homemade pizzas or in dishes like Panzanella(Italian Tomato And Bread Salad). For a gourmet touch, serve with freshly grated imported Romano or Parmesan cheese on top.
Storage & Reheating
Let the marinara sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tommaso'S Marinara Sauce contains roughly 381 calories, with 26g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (197% of the Daily Value), iron (172% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (152% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 874mg per serving (38% 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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned for this sauce?
Yes, fresh tomatoes work wonderfully in this recipe. Just ensure they are ripe and flavorful. You'll need to peel and seed them before chopping. Typically, about 3 to 4 pounds of fresh tomatoes will yield the same amount as 24 Italian plum tomatoes.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add some heat to your marinara sauce, consider incorporating red pepper flakes during the sautéing process. You can start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to your taste. Alternatively, a diced jalapeño or crushed fresh chili can be sautéed with the vegetables for an extra kick.
Is there a way to thicken the sauce if it's too watery?
If your marinara sauce turns out too watery, simmer it uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate. For a quicker fix, you can also stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste, which will thicken the sauce while enhancing the tomato flavor.
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).