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Home » Garden Fresh Marinara Sauce

Garden Fresh Marinara Sauce

July 13, 2010 50 Comments


 
 
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Oh my my!  It surely is fresh tomato time here, as it is in many parts of the country, I’m sure!  So what do you do with all of your tomatoes?
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First thing that we do on our acreage is make salsa . . . lol!
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You thought that I was going to say Italian tomato sauce, huh?
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Actually, we really do prepare and can our salsa first and then make the marinara sauce.  Making salsa is such a day-long affair, that I prefer to just get it out of the way and then return to preparing dishes that aren’t quite so long and involved!  But I’ll post that recipe later for you.
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Here’s a nice basic marinara sauce that you can find in many Italian cookbooks, it’s nothing unique to credit me for.  I’m sure that there is a plethora of recipes on the web as well.  But we think the aroma of this blend of ingredients is sublime and divine.
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If you don’t have freshly ripe red tomatoes, check and see if you have a local farmers market, or some really good varieties at your grocery store, and then of course you can always beg for some from a friend who has fresh tomatoes (we get that quite a lot and end of giving half of ours away every summer).  Remember the summer when tomatoes were going for $3.00 each and some restaurants stopped serving them?  We had neighbors that we didn’t even know asking for our tomatoes!
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Garden Fresh Marinara Sauce

Garden Fresh Marinara Sauce

Ingredients

  • 2 - 3 pounds fresh ripe, red tomatoes (Roma's and any other variety you like)
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 4 - 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 1 stalk celery with leaves, diced
  • 1/2 a carrot, diced
  • 1/2 bunch Italian parsley, diced
  • 1 tsp. Sea Salt
  • 30 basil leaves, minced

Instructions

  1. Fill a large, deep pot full of water and bring to a boil.
  2. Place the tomatoes in and cook them until the outer layers of skin/peel begins to crack.
  3. In the meantime, in a large fry pan, saute the garlic, onion, celery, and carrots in the olive oil for only a few minutes. Remove from heat.
  4. Remove the tomatoes from the boiling water as soon as the cracks appear.
  5. Allow to cool.
  6. When cool, remove the peel/skin with your hands and remove the green stem area.
  7. In the fry pan with the sauteed ingredients, squeeze the tomatoes through your fingers into the fry pan to sort of 'mush them up'.
  8. Add salt.
  9. Cook the sauce mixture for about 20 minutes or until your desired level of doneness.
  10. Add chopped basil and parsley.
  11. Taste. Taste. Taste.
  12. Serve over any pasta or in any dish that requires a tomato sauce.
  13. Freeze in plastic (sorry not glass) containers.
  14. Or can the sauce per safety instructions for canning/preserving food.
© Roz
 
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In a large, very deep pot of boiling water, place the tomatoes in until the outer layer of skin cracks.
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A close-up of how the tomato skin cracks from the heat of the water.
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Remove tomatoes from the pot as soon as this takes place and allow to cool.
No need to run under cold water unless you want to,
because you’re going to continue to cook the tomatoes anyway.
But wait until the tomatoes are cool enough to handle with your hands
so that you can remove the skin/peel as well as the green stem area.
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In a large fry pan, saute’ the garlic, onion, celery, and carrots in the olive oil for only a few minutes, not more than that.
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Add the chopped basil and Italian parsley to the cooked sauce (below).
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Allow the sauce to cook for another 30 minutes or so until your desired level of consistency is achieved.
And don’t forget to add more salt and seasonings if you believe they are needed.
So wa la!  The finished sauce is ready to be eaten, frozen, or canned.
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It’s really quite that simple to make!
So go get those fresh ‘maters and make some home-made goodness
that you can open up in the middle of winter and just dream of warm summer days!
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Enjoy this Garden Fresh Marinara Sauce!

 
 
Garden Fresh Italian Marinara Sauce
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Previous Post: « Good Eats and Treats at the SC Annual BBQ Festival
Next Post: Cherry Tomato Basil Pesto Sauce on Farfalle Pasta »

Reader Interactions

 

I read each and every comment and respond to questions asap, so ask away!  As I always say, “If you’ve made a recipe, please take a photo and I’ll be happy to share your experience and photo of the recipe with all of us in this blog community!”

The kindness of giving a thumbs up 5-star rating is greatly appreciated!

~ Roz

Comments

  1. elra says

    July 13, 2010 at 11:35 PM

    What a delicious looking sauce Bella.

    Reply
  2. Mary at Deep South Dish says

    July 13, 2010 at 11:40 PM

    I put some of my tomatoes up in the freezer but I don’t can any – don’t really get that many tomatoes from my little garden so it’s mostly eat as they come to be honest. I love them best that way anyway. Your sauce looks wonderful Roz!

    Reply
  3. Julie says

    July 13, 2010 at 11:40 PM

    Wow, sounds just wonderful! I think I can smell it from here 🙂

    Reply
  4. Christy says

    July 13, 2010 at 11:57 PM

    this looks delicious and so simple to do. i am hoping to have a large crop of tomatoes this year and can’t wait to make some sauce with them! thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
  5. bellini valli says

    July 14, 2010 at 10:05 AM

    This is a rosy way to start my morning. Bella:D

    Reply
  6. anniebakes says

    July 14, 2010 at 10:16 AM

    that looks delicious!! I am hosting book club tonight and it is an Italian theme (we read Very Valentine) and I am amking your caprese salad!!

    anne
    http://www.anniebakes.net

    Reply
  7. Amber says

    July 14, 2010 at 12:07 PM

    Well I won’t be trying this anytime soon but I will be trying it. My tomatos are just taking their sweet time growing 🙁

    Reply
  8. Rachel @ Working Out Wellness says

    July 14, 2010 at 10:17 PM

    This looks amazing. I’ve always wondered how to make marinara sauce so I’m really glad you posted this recipe. I’m saving for future use! Maybe I’ll make it later this week 🙂

    Reply
  9. Chef Dennis says

    July 15, 2010 at 9:35 AM

    Ciao Bella!
    It has been so long since I have seen anyone make marinara with fresh tomatoes….what a perfect sauce! The addition of carrots and celery is a very nice touch for this wonderful sauce!
    All the best
    Dennis

    Reply
  10. Velva says

    July 15, 2010 at 9:10 PM

    Your marinara sauce looks divine! I love using fresh tomatoes. This was a wonderful post.

    Reply
  11. Cinnamon-Girl says

    July 15, 2010 at 9:52 PM

    There’s nothing better than homemade sauce with tomatoes from your garden! Nothing quite compares! Hope you’re having a wonderful summer Roz, and that all is well with you.

    Reply
  12. Kim says

    July 15, 2010 at 10:50 PM

    You can definitely tell that this is some gorgeous homemade sauce. I also love adding carrot to my tomato sauces. Works wonders.

    So glad to hear that your garden is thriving!

    Reply
  13. Our Family says

    July 15, 2010 at 11:35 PM

    Wow! That looks delicious!! Thanks for sharing!
    I’m visiting through Friendly Fridays 🙂 Have a great Friday!
    Jessica

    Reply
  14. Diana Bauman says

    July 16, 2010 at 12:04 AM

    Oh Roz, where have I been? This marinera sauce looks fabulous! Thank you so much for linking this to the Simple Lives Thursday blog hop 😀

    Reply
  15. Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend says

    July 16, 2010 at 12:14 AM

    Looks wonderful…what a pretty blog…Love NFF

    Blog hopping tonight…Be sure and stop by …I have a great giveaway this week…Have a great weekend.
    Teresa
    http://teresa-grammygirlfriend.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  16. Lynne @ CookandBeMerry says

    July 16, 2010 at 12:24 AM

    Thank you for stopping by. And what an amazing surprise when I saw your blog for the first time ~ it’s GORGEOUS! And I want to cook all of your recipes. Especially the tomato sauce!

    Reply
  17. Zia Elle says

    July 16, 2010 at 3:56 AM

    That’s a perfect marinara sauce!!
    Ciao da Roma
    very nice blog!!

    Reply
  18. Recipe for Delicious says

    July 16, 2010 at 10:46 AM

    Thanks for visiting and following! This marinara looks great! My tomatoes aren’t ready yet, but I’m excited to try this when they are.

    Reply
  19. Lauren says

    July 16, 2010 at 11:15 AM

    OMG i am so excited you found my blog!! i am always looking for new and yummy recipes!!!! Thanks for participating in friendship friday!!

    xoxox
    Lo

    Reply
  20. Vivianne's Vista says

    July 16, 2010 at 11:38 AM

    Your blog is truly awesome. It is making me seriously hungry! I stopped by for friday follow, 40 and over! I’m your new follower!

    Reply
  21. Letherton says

    July 16, 2010 at 11:54 AM

    love your blog yummy

    Here from FF and wanted to say hi.
    Take a minute an check my blog out if you haven’t already.
    I have lots of great giveaways going on.
    Thanks 🙂

    ethertonphotography.blogspot.com

    Reply
  22. Ellen Marie "Mama" Pike says

    July 16, 2010 at 12:10 PM

    Hmmmm…this dish makes me hungry! The photos are great.

    I hopped over from the Bloggers over Forty blog hop. I think your blog is absoluetly beautiful. I am most impressed!

    My blog is called Mama Pikes Happy Home.
    http://www.mamapikeshappyhome.blogspot.com/

    Have a great Friday!

    Reply
  23. Meg O. says

    July 16, 2010 at 1:16 PM

    New follower from FF!! I LOVE your blog! That marinara sauce looks like it’s TO DIE FOR!! -Meg @ oisme.blogspot.com

    Reply
  24. Jill says

    July 16, 2010 at 1:58 PM

    Wow! What a Beautiful and Yummy blog you have!

    I’m visiting via Follow Friday 40 and Over and am your newest Follower 🙂

    ~ Jill
    http://frugalplus.com/

    Reply
  25. Mermaid's Palette says

    July 16, 2010 at 3:57 PM

    Your blog is gorgeous and the photos are so vivid you can almost taste them!
    I found you via New Friend Friday and am now a follower.
    -Sheryl
    http://mermaidspalette.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  26. Carolyn says

    July 16, 2010 at 7:55 PM

    That looks so good! I would like to try this when I have some tomatoes.
    Thank you for your kind words on my blog.

    Carolyn

    Reply
  27. Erin Wallace says

    July 16, 2010 at 8:22 PM

    Oh, I love making marinara, and bolognese, and alfredo – I just love Italian!

    Here for Friday Follows and following you now. Hope to see you at Dropped Stitches!

    xo Erin
    droppedstitches72.blogspot.com

    Reply
  28. Jane (Frugal Fine Living) says

    July 16, 2010 at 8:30 PM

    I love your blog and agree…we are very like-minded. You need a blog button, so I can add it to my blog.

    Your marinara sauce sounds yummy! I have copied the recipe.

    Jane
    frugalfineliving.com

    Reply
  29. New Jersey Memories says

    July 16, 2010 at 10:23 PM

    The food on your blog looks mouthwatering. I discovered you on Over 40 Bloggers and decided to stop by and now I’m so hungry. I can’t wait to try some of these recipes!

    Reply
  30. ~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~ says

    July 16, 2010 at 10:48 PM

    Hi Roz, it’s nice to meet you. I am going to give this one a try. Thanks for sharing your great recipe.
    ~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

    Reply
  31. Jane (Frugal Fine Living) says

    July 16, 2010 at 11:08 PM

    I just found your blog button and added it to my blog.

    Jane

    Reply
  32. Michelle Mekos says

    July 16, 2010 at 11:18 PM

    Wow I discovered you on Lady Bloggers and I am glad I did. Your blog is beautiful and I love-love the recipes! I am taking a badge and following you on Google Connect! Please stop by and visit me as well at http://www.styleingenuity.com! 🙂

    Shelli

    Reply
  33. Mr Monkey says

    July 16, 2010 at 11:47 PM

    I’m a new follower of friendly Friday follow, please follow me back.
    Thanks, Mr. Monkey

    http://laughingmonkeystick.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  34. Average Girl says

    July 17, 2010 at 1:38 AM

    You have a very lovely blog… I love the recipes!

    Reply
  35. Meaghan says

    July 17, 2010 at 9:09 AM

    Your blog looks delicious. Visiting from LBS tea party and I would like to eat everything on the page. yum! I have a health and fitness blog and a mommy blog, hope to meet again!

    Reply
  36. Joanne says

    July 17, 2010 at 9:20 AM

    I really need to figure out how to can so that I can make tons and tons and tons of this and store it for the winter. Looks amazing!

    Reply
  37. Pamela Fatone Fatone says

    July 17, 2010 at 10:05 AM

    Hello, popped over from the LBS Tea Social, glad to have found you. Following yor BF community.

    Reply
  38. Adrienne says

    July 17, 2010 at 10:36 AM

    I love a great marinara sauce. Have to try this one! Visiting from the LBS and you may notice we have very similar blog titles!

    Reply
  39. TIGHTWAD says

    July 17, 2010 at 5:11 PM

    Yum! Just visiting from the LBS and am you newest follower!

    Reply
  40. redkathy says

    July 17, 2010 at 10:55 PM

    Hey Roz, I think the last truly fresh Marinara I ate was at my grandmothers house. You have done a fabulous job with the photos and the recipe YUMMY! In fact I think I can smell that sauce from way down here!

    Want you to know that I appreciate the beautiful comment you left the other day. ♥

    Reply
  41. Jane says

    July 17, 2010 at 11:06 PM

    My friend just brought me a huge bouquet of fresh basil. I know just what I want to do with it now after reading this post!

    Reply
  42. Debbie(single;complicated) says

    July 18, 2010 at 3:03 PM

    thanks for stopping by to see me! YOU site looks YUMMY!!!:)

    Reply
  43. Lydia @ On The Verge says

    July 18, 2010 at 6:56 PM

    What a beautiful blog you have. The food looks divine! Thanks for joining my Follow Me Friday. I am your newest follower.

    Lydia
    http://www.ontheverge6.blogspot.com

    Reply
  44. Bonnie says

    July 20, 2010 at 2:18 PM

    I grow lots of tomatoes and love to grow San Marzano tomatoes for cooking. I’ve marked this recipe for when my tomatoes are ready to go. It looks wonderful!

    Reply
  45. Christy says

    July 22, 2010 at 1:04 AM

    Beautiful, rich, tomato-y goodness! What a fabulous link for Two for Tuesday! Thanks.

    Reply
  46. Jacqueline says

    July 22, 2010 at 7:13 PM

    I decided to spend a little time and look through your blog, now I am starving. I am so jealous, I only had one tomato so far and a nasty little red worm got it before me. I had a dream about it a few nights later and it had turned into a big red snake! Gorgeous food.

    Reply
  47. Alisa @ The Tidy Nest says

    August 26, 2010 at 11:10 PM

    That looks so yummy! I will definitely be trying this recipe!

    Reply
  48. Tanya Boracay says

    December 28, 2010 at 2:39 AM

    It look yummy, did you harvest this tomato?

    Just like to share with you a quote about life…

    “The good life is inspired by love and guided by knowledge.” — Bertrand Russell

    You can get more quotes about life at http://quotelandia.com/category/life

    Reply
  49. Tracy McIntosh says

    August 29, 2013 at 9:28 PM

    Stupid question: why can’t this be canned in glass jars?

    Reply
    • Roz says

      September 1, 2013 at 11:18 AM

      Actually Tracy, it’s a great question. Yes, this sauce can be canned and I always can sauce and salsa every summer if there is a large enough bounty.

      Thanks for your comment and question!
      Roz

      Reply

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Welcome!

Welcome!

Ciao, I'm Roz!
From my family's kitchens and restaurants in the U.S. and Italy, I share classic, delicious recipes . . . and always served with 'amore'! I'll help you master the art of cooking with easy to follow instructions and cooking tips. Get ready for the compliments! Buon Appetito!

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