Craving that rich, vibrant marinara sauce you get at Carrabba's Italian Grill? Forget takeout – this recipe brings the restaurant's delicious homemade taste right to your kitchen! It’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for pasta nights, pizza topping, or even as a dipping sauce for crusty bread. This recipe provides a quick and delicious meal, perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a simple, yet satisfying healthy meal that’s easy on the budget. Let’s dive into this fantastic food recipe!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions:
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Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will impart a bitter taste.
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Combine Ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, sugar, red pepper flakes (if using), onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
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Simmer to Perfection: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer and more flavorful it will become. Aim for at least an hour for the best results; you can even simmer it for a couple of hours for a truly deep flavor.
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Taste and Adjust: After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, sugar, or herbs to achieve your preferred flavor profile. This is where you can personalize the recipe to your liking!
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your homemade Carrabba's-style marinara sauce over your favorite pasta, use it as a pizza sauce, or enjoy it with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips for the Best Marinara Sauce:
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible: While canned tomatoes work well, using fresh tomatoes when in season will elevate the flavor.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with herbs and spices: Try adding a pinch of fennel seeds, thyme, or even a bay leaf for a unique twist.
- Simmer slowly and patiently: Low and slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Make a big batch: This sauce freezes beautifully, so you can make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week or even the month.
Variations:
- Meat Lovers Marinara: Brown some ground beef or Italian sausage before adding the garlic. Drain off any excess fat before proceeding with the recipe.
- Vegetarian Marinara: Add a cup of chopped vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini during the simmering process for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Spicy Marinara: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-150 (depending on serving size and additions)
- Fat: Around 5-7 grams
- Protein: About 2-3 grams
- Carbohydrates: Around 15-20 grams
This delicious and easy marinara sauce recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. It's perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. Enjoy the taste of homemade Italian goodness! Remember to share your culinary creations using this recipe with us! We'd love to see your delicious results.