Embrace the vibrant flavors of garden-fresh ingredients with this delightful marinara sauce! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, allowing the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and the aromatic herbs to shine. Whether you choose to enjoy it as a classic marinara or mix in some delicious ground beef for a hearty bolognese, this sauce promises a taste of summer in every bite. If you don’t have these ingredients in your garden check out your local Farmer’s Market!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes (Roma or any garden variety)
- 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, packed
- 2 sprigs of fresh oregano
- 4 cloves of garlic, chopped
- **Optional:** 1 lb ground beef (for bolognese)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra Virgin Olive oil for roasting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will prepare your kitchen for roasting.
2. Prepare the Tomatoes and Garlic:
Chop your fresh tomatoes into quarters and place them in cast iron skillet. Scatter the chopped garlic over the tomatoes. Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss everything together to ensure even coating.
3. Roast for Flavor:
Pop your baking sheet into the oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes. Stir the mixture every 10 minutes to help caramelize the tomatoes and garlic, enhancing their natural sweetness. You'll know it's ready when the tomatoes have softened and are starting to blister.
4. Blend the Marinara:
Once roasted, remove the tomatoes and garlic from the oven and let them cool slightly. In a food processor, combine the roasted mixture with fresh basil and oregano (don’t forget to strip the leaves from the oregano sprigs!). Blend it into a smooth sauce, or pulse a few times if you prefer a chunkier texture.
5. Optional Bolognese Add-In:
If you’re opting for a bolognese sauce, cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat, then add the blended marinara sauce to the skillet. Mix well and let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld.
6. Serve with Joy:
Ladle your luscious marinara (bolognese, if you added beef) over your favorite pasta! For a fun twist, try serving it over spiralized zucchini noodles for a fresh, low-carb alternative. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for that finishing touch.
Enjoy the Freshness!
You’ve just captured the essence of your garden in a bowl! Each bite of this marinara sauce celebrates the incredible flavors of local, in-season ingredients. Dive in and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something truly delicious and wholesome from your own backyard! 🌱🍅✨