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Knockout Marinara Sauce

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This knockout marinara sauce is a perfect balance of juicy San Marzano tomatoes, sautéed onions, fresh garlic, and aromatic herbs, making it versatile for pasta, pizza, and more.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cans San Marzano tomatoes Hand-crushed for best flavor
  • 1 large onion Sautéed
  • 4 cloves garlic Minced
  • 1 cup fresh basil Add at the end for flavor
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional for spice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar To balance acidity if needed
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1/4 cup vodka For Vodka Sauce variation
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream For Vodka Sauce variation
  • 2 tablespoons capers For Puttanesca style
  • 1/4 cup chopped olives For Puttanesca style
  • 1 cup Parmesan rind Add while simmering for umami.
  • 1 cup red wine For added depth if available

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Sauté the chopped onion in a pan until translucent.
  2. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté briefly.
  3. Pour in the crushed San Marzano tomatoes.
Cooking
  1. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let cook for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. If you’re adding a splash of vodka or cheese rind, include them at this stage.
  3. For the last 10 minutes, add freshly chopped basil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g

Notes

Letting the sauce simmer for a full hour enhances the flavor. Freezing in ice cube trays is recommended for quick meals later. You can also grill tomatoes beforehand for a smoky flavor.

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