basic marinara sauce

this is the basic, no-frills, tomato sauce which is a staple in any italian kitchen and often used as a building block for many dishes. it is said to have originated in naples [napoli] and was the sauce which was fed to the marinari, or sailors upon their returns. the following recipe is for a marinara in its simplest form.

image: coins

marinara sauce

ingredients:

1/4 c olive oil
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1 [28 oz] can diced tomatoes
1/2 can water
6 large leaves of basil
1/2 tsp oregano
1 - 2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

method:

in a pot, heat oil and cook sliced garlic til very, very lightly browned and oil is fragrant.

carefully add the can of tomatoes and crush them a bit with a spoon or a potato masher. add the water and stir.

rip the basil into shreds and add it along with the seasonings and spices.

cook the sauce, uncovered, for about 40 minutes, stirring on and off until reduced to the texture you prefer.