Discovering the Perfect Herbs for Homemade Marinara Sauce
Making your own homemade marinara sauce is a rewarding experience that can elevate any pasta dish. While tomatoes are the star of the show, herbs play a crucial role in enhancing the flavor. The most commonly used and complementary herb is basil, known for its sweet aromatic qualities that pair well with the acidity of tomatoes. Other herbs that work well include oregano, thyme, and parsley.
Commonly Used Herbs in Marinara Sauce
Basil: Fresh basil is ideal for marinara sauce. A few fresh leaves can add an incredible sweet aromatic note. However, dried basil can also work effectively in a pinch.
Oregano: Oregano brings a robust, earthy flavor that perfectly complements the sauce.
Thyme: Thyme adds a subtle, earthy depth that is often overlooked but greatly enhances the flavor profile.
Parsley: Fresh parsley can add a bright, fresh note to the sauce, making it more balanced.
Cooking Tricks for the Best Marinara Sauce
When it comes to achieving the best flavor, using fresh herbs is preferred. However, if fresh herbs are not available, dried herbs can be substituted effectively. A classic combination is basil and oregano, but you can also experiment with other herbs depending on the ingredients served with your marinara.
Herb Pairings for Different Ingredients
If you are serving pork sausage, a combination of spices such as fennel seed, anise seed, cinnamon, and nutmeg can enhance the flavor. For dishes with noni-style peas and pasta, tarragon is a good choice. Mushrooms as the main ingredient should be complemented with marjoram, sage, and thyme. Wild game can be paired with juniper berries, lemon, basil, and lavender flowers. Pinto beans, which might require some smokiness, can be paired with ancho chili pepper, nutmeg, and mesquite bean powder, giving a southwestern US twist.
A Simple Recipe for Homemade Marinara Sauce
The best marinara sauce often starts with good quality tomatoes. Fresh tomatoes are ideal if you are fortunate to live near a Roma tomato farm, but canned tomatoes from a reputable producer are just as good.
Ingredients and Instructions
Begin by heating 3 tablespoons of fragrant olive oil in a saucepan. Dice an onion and fry it for about 3 minutes with a little crushed garlic. Season with a teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil, a dash of oregano, and a little black pepper.
Next, open a 28-ounce can of high-quality Roma tomatoes. These could be from various regions, but San Marzano tomatoes are well-regarded. Sclafani tomatoes from New Jersey are among the best. Choose a brand you enjoy.
Add a little bit of tomato juice to the saucepan, mix well with the onion and spices, and then add the tomatoes. Gently bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat, crushing the tomatoes with a masher or pureeing them with a stick blender. Let the sauce cook for 10 minutes, then taste. If it isn't sweet enough, you can add 1/4 teaspoon of sugar. For more depth of flavor, add a little more salt. If the sauce tastes excellent, it's ready—any further cooking will only dull the flavor.
For the best marinara sauce, aim for a minimalist approach. Focus on the quality of your tomatoes and minimal processing time to preserve their natural flavors.
Conclusion
Experiment with different herbs and spices to find your perfect marinara sauce. Remember, the goal is to balance the flavors without overwhelming them. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting, creating your own homemade marinara sauce is a delicious way to enhance any pasta dish.