Years ago, I was inspired by a recipe in Cooking Light magazine that offered a basic marinara sauce and suggestions on how to use the sauce well beyond spaghetti. I absolutely love a recipe I can stretch into several meals, and I often cook that way. Many nights I wouldn’t get dinner on the table otherwise! Spaghetti and meatballs is a great starting point, but this recipe which I have revised over the years lends itself to so much more. (Links to two favorites follow.) So, whip up a batch then freeze some in one or two-cup containers. You’ll be so happy you did.
Two great recipes which incorporate this flavorful marinara are Baked Fusilli with Asiago and Sausage, Pepper and 2-Cheese Pizza.
Basic Marinara
Ingredients
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large onions, diced
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 cups reduced-salt chicken broth or stock
- 3 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes (preferably no salt added)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven and cook onions over medium heat until softened. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer. Cook over low heat for about an hour or until sauce thickens.
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