Best 8 Old World Italian Marinara Sauce Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

In the realm of Italian cuisine, few dishes hold a more prominent place than the classic marinara sauce. Originating from the vibrant region of Naples, this culinary masterpiece has captivated taste buds worldwide with its rich, savory, and versatile nature. Our comprehensive guide delves into the art of crafting an authentic Old World Italian marinara sauce, providing you with two exceptional recipes: the Traditional Marinara and the Hearty Marinara with Meat.

The Traditional Marinara recipe encapsulates the essence of simplicity and authenticity. With fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and oregano as its foundation, this recipe yields a vibrant and luscious sauce that embodies the true spirit of Italian cooking.

For those seeking a more robust and flavorful experience, the Hearty Marinara with Meat recipe offers a delectable twist. By incorporating succulent ground beef or sausage, this variation adds an extra layer of depth and richness to the classic marinara, making it an ideal companion for hearty pasta dishes or as a versatile topping for pizzas and other culinary creations.

Whether you prefer the traditional simplicity of the classic marinara or the hearty indulgence of the meat-infused variation, our guide equips you with all the knowledge and techniques necessary to create an unforgettable Italian marinara sauce that will transport your taste buds to the heart of Italy.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CLASSIC MARINARA SAUCE



Classic Marinara Sauce image

Homemade marinara is almost as fast and tastes immeasurably better than even the best supermarket sauce - and it's made with basic pantry ingredients. All the tricks to a bright red, lively-tasting sauce, made just as it is in the south of Italy (no butter, no onions) are in this recipe. Use a skillet instead of the usual saucepan: the water evaporates quickly, so the tomatoes are just cooked through as the sauce becomes thick. (Our colleagues over at Wirecutter have spent a lot of time testing skillets to find the best on the market. If you're looking to purchase one, check out their skillet guide.)

Provided by Julia Moskin

Categories     quick, condiments, dips and spreads, sauces and gravies

Time 25m

Yield 3 1/2 cups, enough for 1 pound of pasta

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 28-ounce can whole San Marzano tomatoes, certified D.O.P. if possible
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
7 garlic cloves, peeled and slivered
Small dried whole chile, or pinch crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 large fresh basil sprig, or 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, more to taste

Steps:

  • Pour tomatoes into a large bowl and crush with your hands. Pour 1 cup water into can and slosh it around to get tomato juices. Reserve.
  • In a large skillet (do not use a deep pot) over medium heat, heat the oil. When it is hot, add garlic.
  • As soon as garlic is sizzling (do not let it brown), add the tomatoes, then the reserved tomato water. Add whole chile or red pepper flakes, oregano (if using) and salt. Stir.
  • Place basil sprig, including stem, on the surface (like a flower). Let it wilt, then submerge in sauce. Simmer sauce until thickened and oil on surface is a deep orange, about 15 minutes. (If using oregano, taste sauce after 10 minutes of simmering, adding more salt and oregano as needed.) Discard basil and chile (if using).

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 94, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 6 grams, Fat 8 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 1 gram, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 275 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams

THE BEST MARINARA SAUCE



The Best Marinara Sauce image

I developed this recipe with a friend to make the most of a bumper crop of tomatoes. Now we like to make huge batches-we're talking 220-pounds-of- tomatoes huge-and then give jars along with a pound of pasta as gifts around the holidays. Knowing this sauce is made from the heart with the best possible ingredients makes me feel good about giving it to my family and friends. -Shannon Norris, Cudahy, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h40m

Yield 9 cups

Number Of Ingredients 11

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup minced garlic, divided
12 pounds plum tomatoes, quartered
2 cups water
1-1/4 cups minced fresh basil, divided
1/4 cup minced fresh oregano
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1/4 cup plus 1-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice

Steps:

  • In a stockpot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until softened, 3-4 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add tomatoes, water and 1/2 cup basil; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until tomatoes are completely broken down and soft, about 1 hour, stirring occasionally., Press tomato mixture through a food mill into a large bowl; discard skins and seeds. Return tomato mixture to stockpot; add 1/2 cup of remaining basil, oregano and remaining garlic. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until thickened, 3-1/2 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally. Add tomato paste and remaining 1/4 cup of basil; season with salt and pepper. , Add 1 tablespoon plus 1-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice to each of 3 hot 1-1/2-pint jars. Ladle hot mixture into jars, leaving 1/2-in. headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if necessary, by adding hot mixture. Wipe rims. Center lids on jars; screw on bands until fingertip tight., Place jars into canner with simmering water, ensuring that they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil; process for 40 minutes. Remove jars and cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 131 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 348mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (13g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 5g protein.

BEST MARINARA SAUCE YET



Best Marinara Sauce Yet image

This is a very easy homemade red sauce, and the only one my 5 year old daughter will eat! Serve with your favorite pasta.

Provided by Jackie M.

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Pasta Sauce Recipes     Tomato     Marinara

Time 45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 (14.5 ounce) cans stewed tomatoes
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
6 tablespoons olive oil
⅓ cup finely diced onion
½ cup white wine

Steps:

  • In a food processor place Italian tomatoes, tomato paste, chopped parsley, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat saute the finely chopped onion in olive oil for 2 minutes. Add the blended tomato sauce and white wine.
  • Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 150.8 calories, Carbohydrate 11.7 g, Fat 10.5 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 1.5 g, Sodium 685.3 mg, Sugar 6.6 g

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN MARINARA SAUCE



Authentic Italian Marinara Sauce image

My Sicillian father used to make this sauce at least weekly. Usually we used fresh, ripe plum tomatos but I don't have his green thumb so my sauce uses the canned tomatos. This is a great basic sauce to start with. Can be served as is over pasta or you can add meatballs, sausage etc. My dad used to add 5 Italian sausages, a pork chop, and a neck bone to the sauce and let it simmer for hours. If you add the meat, brown it and add it to the sauce as it simmers.

Provided by josacli

Categories     Vegetable

Time 2h35m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes in puree (I like San Marzano but any without citric acid are fine)
10 medium garlic cloves
1 large Spanish onion, chopped
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 cup fresh basil, coarsely chopped (I use a large handful)
1 cup fresh parsley, coarsely chopped (again a large handful)
2 bay leaves
1 pinch baking soda, if needed (or if you must sugar)

Steps:

  • In large pan over medium heat saute chopped garlic and onion in olive oil until translucent.
  • Add cans of tomato.
  • Sprinkle on black pepper.
  • Add bay leaves.
  • Let sauce simmer for about 30 minutes to reduce and intensify flavors stirring occassionally.
  • Add basil and parsley and stir well.
  • Allow sauce to simmer at least another two hours (can simmer all day if desired)stirring occassionally.
  • After two hours taste sauce, if acidic or if you want more sweetness add 1/2 tsp baking powder (or sugar) to cut acidity. Only do this if necessary.
  • Pull out both bay leaves before serving/storing.
  • Sauce can be served over pasta now or stored in freezer or refridgerator. If adding in meat add at the begining when adding tomatos.

BEST ITALIAN MARINARA SAUCE RECIPE



Best Italian Marinara Sauce Recipe image

How to make the best, authentic Italian Marinara Sauce recipe from scratch, with organic San Marzano tomatoes, garlic and fresh basil.

Provided by Florentina

Categories     Main

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 X 28 oz cans San Marzano Tomatoes
1/2 yellow onion (-diced)
8 cloves garlic (-minced)
1 leaf bay
4 sprigs basil
1/3 c fresh basil leaves (- sliced or torn)
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 pinch sea salt (( or to your taste))

Steps:

  • Heat a heavy bottom large pot on medium low flame. Add a lug of olive oil and the diced onion with a pinch of sea salt. Cook for about 10 minutes until traslucent taking good care not to burn it.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and let it infuse the oil for about 30 seconds.
  • Use your hands and crush the tomatoes as you add them to the pot with the onion and garlic. Rustic chunks are what we are after.
  • Add the bay leaf and the 4 sprigs of basil then bring everything to a gentle simmer. Partially cover with a lid and cook down until reduced and thick to your liking. About an hour or so. Stir a few times making sure the sugars from the tomatoes don't stick to the bottom.
  • After the sauce has reduced season to taste with the sea salt. Discard the bay leaf and basil sprigs.
  • Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and the reserved fresh basil. Serve with your favorite pasta to transfer to jars and refrigerate up to one week.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 753 kcal, Carbohydrate 152 g, Protein 34 g, Fat 15 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Cholesterol 1 mg, Sodium 2727 mg, Fiber 39 g, Sugar 91 g, ServingSize 1 serving

OLD ITALIAN MEAT SAUCE



Old Italian Meat Sauce image

A robust hearty Italian meat and mushroom pasta sauce. Serve with your favorite pasta, if desired.

Provided by Debbie

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Pasta Sauce Recipes     Meat Sauce

Time 4h30m

Yield 20

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 pounds lean ground beef
1 pound ground pork
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 onions, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
3 cups red wine
2 pounds fresh mushrooms, sliced
¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
4 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
¼ teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
3 (29 ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, brown beef and pork over medium heat until no longer pink; set aside.
  • In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat and saute onions and garlic until tender; add about 1/2 cup of wine; mix well.
  • Add mushrooms, rosemary, oregano and thyme to skillet and add another 1/2 cup wine; saute until tender.
  • Add browned meat, tomato sauce and tomato paste to mixture; simmer for 1 hour and add the remaining 2 cups of wine.
  • Simmer sauce on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally; serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 295.9 calories, Carbohydrate 15.9 g, Cholesterol 50.8 mg, Fat 16.8 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 15.2 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Sodium 788.1 mg, Sugar 11.4 g

OLD WORLD TOMATO MARINARA SAUCE



Old World Tomato Marinara Sauce image

This is a generational hand me down sauce from Italy. I got it from a nice old lady in my old neighborhood. Enjoy!

Provided by GourmetBob

Categories     Meatballs

Time P1DT14h

Yield 4 quarts, 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 lbs medium fresh tomatoes
2 cups red peppers
1 cup red onion
2 1/2 cups diced red pear tomatoes (Italian style)
2 -3 fresh garlic cloves
1 teaspoon italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon maggi seasoning (fondor)
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup italian mild light green banana pepper
1/2 cup chopped sweet onion
1/4 teaspoon orange rind

Steps:

  • Cooking Directions.
  • In a large pot, add all ingredients together, turn on low heat, and simmer for two full days, turning off before you go to bed.
  • NEVER-NEVER Let the sauce boil !
  • Stir it often....
  • Its ok to let it simmer uncovered, it will get thicker this way. Stir it and trial taste as you go.
  • Enjoy ! Abodanza!
  • Try serving this sauce with fine spagetti , or taggetelli noodles.
  • I make and serve this with thin breaded veal or chicken.
  • Italian style cutlets.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 67.1, Fat 0.6, SaturatedFat 0.1, Sodium 14.4, Carbohydrate 14.7, Fiber 4, Sugar 9.6, Protein 2.7

OLD WORLD ITALIAN SPAGHETTI SAUCE



Old World Italian Spaghetti Sauce image

This is a great old world Family recipe. Its also great with italian sausage,or meatballs. Just stir often while cooking when using meats.

Provided by FarahC

Categories     Sauces

Time 3h25m

Yield 12-14 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
1 (28 ounce) can tomato puree
2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
4 garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 cup onion, chopped
3 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 1/2 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 cup dry red wine
2 1/2 cups water

Steps:

  • In a large stockpot on low-med heat add your olive oil and saute your onions for about 4 minutes,then add your crushed garlic,cook for 2 minutes longer. Then add your water,and tomato products. Be sure to mix everything very well.Add in your spices,and cheese. cook for 2 1/2 hours covered.Then add in your wine, and cook 30 minutes longer. Sauce will be thin on first day.Also if you use meat it will alter thickness.The second day this turns into a nice thick sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 158.6, Fat 5.2, SaturatedFat 1, Cholesterol 1.8, Sodium 647.1, Carbohydrate 25.2, Fiber 5.2, Sugar 9.7, Protein 5.5

Tips:

  • Use the best quality tomatoes you can find. Fresh, ripe tomatoes are ideal, but canned tomatoes can also be used if they are of good quality.
  • Don't skip the step of browning the garlic and onions. This adds a lot of flavor to the sauce.
  • Add a pinch of sugar to the sauce to help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
  • Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as basil, oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
  • Let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, or longer if you have time. This will help the flavors to develop and meld together.
  • Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta, or use it as a topping for pizza or chicken.

Conclusion:

This Old World Italian Marinara Sauce is a delicious and versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is made with simple, fresh ingredients and is easy to make. Whether you are a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, this sauce is sure to become a favorite.

Related Topics