Introduction: Don't-Let-the-Tomatoes-Go-Bad Marinara Sauce
It's the time of year when my counter is overflowing with tomatoes I've bought and been given by family and friends.
Last night I noticed the basket of cherry tomatoes I bought were starting to shrivel a little, so I decided to make a delicious marinara sauce to use them up. I also had a few homegrown tomatoes from my parents' garden, so I threw them in, too.
This sauce doesn't take too long to make, and it feels good to use up fresh tomatoes before they get moldy or turn into dried tomatoes (I think the acidity level of the tomato determines which way it will go).
Ingredients I used:
- Tomatoes ( all sizes and colors — the more variety, the more interesting the flavor)
- Olive oil
- Red onion
- Garlic
- Basil
- Dried rosemary, sage, and thyme
- Salt
Step 1: Chop Tomatoes
Chop the tomatoes into bite-sized chunks. Get rid of any tough, woody parts — sometimes the part right under the stem is worth tossing.
Step 2: Simmer
Throw the tomatoes in a saucepan on low heat. Bring them to a simmer, and then shake them in the pan or stir occasionally.
I've seen some recipes where you strain out the tomato skins and seeds. No! The skins contain a higher concentration of the carotenoids and flavenols, and those are good for you. Besides, you're not a baby that needs puréed food (probably). So leave the skins in.
Step 3: Chop Onion and Garlic
Finely chop an onion and some garlic. I used a small red onion and about 12 cloves of garlic, because... well, I don't have to defend my garlic choices. That's what I did.
Step 4: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Turn the heat on medium-low under a small saucepan. Add about a tablespoon of olive oil. Heat for a few seconds, and then add the chopped onion. Sauté for about a minute, then add the garlic.
Cook for a couple minutes, until the onion starts to look slightly translucent. Remove from heat.
Meanwhile, your tomatoes should still be simmering. Take a whiff. They smell so good!
Step 5: Add Basil and Combine
Get a few leaves of basil, scrunch them together, and slice into thin strips.
Add the basil and the onion-garlic mixture to the tomatoes and combine. Mmm, it's starting to look and smell really tasty.
Step 6: Add Herbs and Seasonings and Let Simmer
Now it's time to add herbs. I used rosemary, sage, and thyme. I ended up adding more than what is shown here, because I like strong-flavored sauce. Add salt at this point, too.
Taste it periodically and make additions as you see fit. Remember: you can always add a little more, but you can't take it out once it's mixed in, so just add a little at a time.
Altogether, I'd say I simmered the sauce for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 7: Bon Appétit!
Now it's business time. What do you want to put your sauce on? French bread pizza? Polenta? I didn't do anything fancy, I just had it on some spaghetti. (I actually prefer angel hair pasta, but I didn't have any.)
I topped it with some pre-grated Parmesan and Romano cheese dust, and it was delicious.
2 People Made This Project!
- Luv2cook74 made it!
- gamerguy13 made it!
20 Comments
Question 2 years ago
Can I make this in the crockpot
6 years ago
Thanks ! Im gonna try this out
7 years ago
nic
7 years ago
Another delicious add in stuffed green olives...Spanish style makes it really good. Use with bread or pasta.
7 years ago
Actually I am still simmering my sauce as I write the comment. It is very delicious. I added carrots, fresh basil and dried basil, and oregano. I only used one onion and a lot of garlic. I am keeping it vegetarian by not adding meat.
Reply 7 years ago
me again. I do have a picture of it simmering, but I am not sure of how to post the image.
7 years ago on Introduction
yummmy , just look at it make me hungry
8 years ago on Introduction
Gota love home made pasta sauce :D
I've allways used Roasted Garlic too, any other Veg you like to add in?
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
It could be good to add capers to the mix. That would add a dash of vinegar flavor that I sometimes crave.
8 years ago on Step 7
yum, I must try this, love tomatoes and herbs and pasta together, it's good to have a meatless dish once in a while :)
8 years ago
Just made some last night for dinner. It was excellent, except I didn't have any fresh herbs to put in. Either way it still was great, thanks for the simple recipe. Might have to make more tonight.
8 years ago on Introduction
wow this looks soo nice im hungry ahahaa
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Thanks! It's delicious — and good for you! If you make it yourself, post a photo of the finished meal here in the comments.
8 years ago
Wish ya would've posted a few days earlier. Turned mine into salsa. Looks Tasty!!
8 years ago on Introduction
This is a GREAT 'don't let stuff go bad' recipe. Quick, simple, and it looks delicious!! How did you manage to not include any zucchini??
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Zucchini — I didn't have any! But that would have been a nice addition.
Thanks for the kind words. :)
8 years ago on Introduction
Sounds perfect, Miss Laura!
8 years ago on Introduction
Yum, this looks so good! And I like that you included info about the healthy parts :)
8 years ago on Introduction
Love the selfie at the end :)
8 years ago on Introduction
Nice job. Thanks for sharing this!