Every good meal deserves a sauce that sings. My journey into the hearty world of Italian American cuisine began years ago, during a family gathering. Picture this: a long table adorned with vibrant plates of pasta, baked ziti, and, of course, the star of the show—red sauce.
I remember twirling spaghetti around my fork, eagerly anticipating how each bite would meld with the rich, tangy sauce. Since then, I’ve made it my mission to replicate that experience, and today, I’m excited to share my easy Italian American red sauce recipe with you!
What is Easy Italian American Red Sauce?
Easy Italian American red sauce—often referred to as marinara—comes from the love of combining simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
It’s a flavorful blend of tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and spices cooked gently to create a sauce that compliments various dishes, from pasta to pizza. This sauce is not just a recipe; it’s an experience that transforms a regular meal into a cozy family gathering.
The Ingredients
Before we dive into how to make this sauce, let’s gather the essentials. Here’s what you’ll need:
2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes: The base of our sauce. Don’t skimp on quality here!
4 cloves garlic, crushed: Because garlic is life, right?
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: For sautéing and flavor.
3 tablespoons tomato paste: This amps up the tomato richness.
Generous pinch red pepper flakes: A little heat goes a long way.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Italian flavor.
1 large sprig of basil: Freshness is key.
Kosher salt: To enhance all the flavors.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional): For a richer finish.
How to Make Easy Italian American Red Sauce?
Making red sauce is both a science and an art. The beauty lies in its simplicity. Plus, it’s almost foolproof, which is perfect for home cooks like us. Now, let’s walk through the steps to create this kitchen delight!
Step 1: Prepare Your Tomatoes
I usually start by opening those cans of whole peeled tomatoes. They’re wonderful little nuggets of flavor. Pour them into a bowl and crush them gently with your hands. This is a slightly messy task, but I find it therapeutic.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the crushed garlic. Stir it around, keeping an eye on it. It doesn’t take long until the smell wafts through the kitchen. We’re aiming for a light golden hue, not brown—burnt garlic is not our friend.
Step 3: Add the Tomato Paste
Once the garlic is fragrant, it’s time to add the tomato paste. Stir this in and let it cook for about two minutes. This step caramelizes the paste and brings out the umami flavors. You’ll notice that beautiful reddish hue change and deepen as it cooks.
Step 4: Toss in the Tomatoes
Now, add the crushed tomatoes to the pot. Don’t forget to scrape the bottom to get all those tasty bits up. Stir to combine everything. You’ll see the vibrant color come together, and I promise you—your mouth will water!
Step 5: Spice it Up
Time to season things up! Add the red pepper flakes and oregano. A generous pinch of kosher salt will help bring out the other flavors. Give everything a good stir and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cover it loosely, allowing the steam to escape.
Step 6: Simmer and Stir
Let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick. I love to watch it bubble and thicken. The aroma fills the house and makes everyone curious about dinner.
Step 7: Finish with Fresh Basil
Right at the end of cooking, add your sprig of fresh basil. This adds a touch of brightness to the sauce. If you want, you can also stir in the unsalted butter for a richer finish. I do this occasionally when I’m feeling a bit indulgent!
Notes
Here are some handy tips to make your cooking experience even better:
Use quality tomatoes: They are the base of your dish. Go for San Marzano if possible.
Don’t rush the garlic: Cooking it slowly brings out the sweet flavors.
Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the red pepper flakes.
Use fresh herbs: They make a noticeable difference in flavor.
For a smoother sauce, blend it with an immersion blender after cooking, if you prefer.
Storage Tips
Once made, this sauce can be stored for later enjoyment:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Freeze: Portion into freezer bags and freeze for up to three months. Just thaw overnight before using.
Jar it Up: If you make a big batch, canning it in sterilized jars can create your own pantry staple!
Nutrition Information
While it’s hard to resist licking the spoon, here’s a rough estimate based on a serving size of ½ cup:
Calories: 100
Total Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Sodium: 220mg
Total Carbohydrates: 13g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 3g
Serving Suggestions
Ready to elevate your meal? Here are some serving ideas that work well with your Italian American red sauce:
Pasta: Spaghetti or linguine tossed with sauce makes a classic dish. Just add a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor.
Pizza: Spread the sauce over your pizza dough for a delightful homemade pie.
Lasagna: Alternate layers of sauce, noodles, and cheese for a delicious comfort food.
Meatballs: Serve your sauce over meatballs for a hearty appetizer or main dish.
Stuffed Peppers: Use red sauce as a base for stuffing peppers filled with rice and veggies.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Easy Italian American Red Sauce Recipe?
Suppose you find yourself in need of alternatives. Here are some substitutes you can try:
Crushed Tomatoes: If you don’t have whole peeled, crushed tomatoes work just as well.
Fresh Tomatoes: Use about 2 pounds of fresh, ripe tomatoes. Just peel and crush them before cooking.
Onion: Adding finely diced onion to the sauté is a great way to deepen the flavor.
Fresh Oregano: If you have fresh oregano, use about 2 tablespoons as a substitution for dried oregano.
Vegan Butter: Swap out regular butter for a plant-based alternative if you want to keep it dairy-free.
Conclusion
Cooking is a beautiful adventure, and this easy Italian American red sauce can be your ticket to more delectable meals. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply wanting a comforting bowl of pasta, this sauce delivers flavor without fuss.
The ingredients are simple, the process is straightforward, and the result is nothing short of delightful. So go ahead, embrace your inner chef, and make this sauce your own! You’ll be amazed at how something so easy can taste so wonderfully complex. Bon appétit!
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Easy Italian American Red Sauce Recipe – Easy Family Meal
Description
Every good meal deserves a sauce that sings. My journey into the hearty world of Italian American cuisine began years ago, during a family gathering. Picture this: a long table adorned with vibrant plates of pasta, baked ziti, and, of course, the star of the show—red sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Tomatoes
-
I usually start by opening those cans of whole peeled tomatoes. They’re wonderful little nuggets of flavor. Pour them into a bowl and crush them gently with your hands. This is a slightly messy task, but I find it therapeutic.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
-
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the crushed garlic. Stir it around, keeping an eye on it. It doesn’t take long until the smell wafts through the kitchen. We’re aiming for a light golden hue, not brown—burnt garlic is not our friend.
Step 3: Add the Tomato Paste
-
Once the garlic is fragrant, it’s time to add the tomato paste. Stir this in and let it cook for about two minutes. This step caramelizes the paste and brings out the umami flavors. You'll notice that beautiful reddish hue change and deepen as it cooks.
Step 4: Toss in the Tomatoes
-
Now, add the crushed tomatoes to the pot. Don’t forget to scrape the bottom to get all those tasty bits up. Stir to combine everything. You’ll see the vibrant color come together, and I promise you—your mouth will water!
Step 5: Spice it Up
-
Time to season things up! Add the red pepper flakes and oregano. A generous pinch of kosher salt will help bring out the other flavors. Give everything a good stir and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cover it loosely, allowing the steam to escape.
Step 6: Simmer and Stir
-
Let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick. I love to watch it bubble and thicken. The aroma fills the house and makes everyone curious about dinner.
Step 7: Finish with Fresh Basil
-
Right at the end of cooking, add your sprig of fresh basil. This adds a touch of brightness to the sauce. If you want, you can also stir in the unsalted butter for a richer finish. I do this occasionally when I'm feeling a bit indulgent!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 100kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 4g7%
- Saturated Fat 1g5%
- Sodium 220mg10%
- Total Carbohydrate 13g5%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 3g6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Use quality tomatoes: They are the base of your dish. Go for San Marzano if possible.
- Don’t rush the garlic: Cooking it slowly brings out the sweet flavors.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the red pepper flakes.
- Use fresh herbs: They make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- For a smoother sauce, blend it with an immersion blender after cooking, if you prefer.
