Expert: Joan - 10/8/2009

Question
what makes a sauce a marinara sauce?

Answer
Hello Jeremiah,
A "marinara" sauce is a simple red sauce that requires tomatoes.  I have included a simple recipe.  I like to increase the amount of Basil:

Marinara Sauce
1/4 cup of olive oil
4 cloves of garlic sliced in half
1 35oz can of imported Italian tomatoes
salt %26 pepper to taste
3 basil leaves, washed, patted dry and chopped


1.      Place garlic and olive oil in large sauce pan.

2.      Turn heat to medium and cook until garlic is soft and lightly browned.

3.      Crush the tomatoes and add with their juices.

4.      Fill empty tomato can 1/4 of the way with water and add to the tomatoes. Season with salt %26 pepper to taste.

5.      Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer and cook until thickened approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Add chopped basil at very end, stir in and cook for 1 minute more

Good Luck,
The Italian Mama