Welcome to my kitchen, where today we will be preparing one of the most delicious and flavorful pasta sauces out there – the Garlic Wine Marinara Sauce! I love this recipe because it’s affordable, easy-to-make, and it impresses every time.

If you are a pasta lover like me, then you know the importance of pairing the perfect sauce with your favorite pasta dish. This is where my ultimate marinara sauce recipe comes in.

Made from ripe tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, herbs, and a touch of red wine – this flavorful sauce is perfect for any pasta dish or seafood recipe. It has just the right amount of acidity and sweetness to balance any dish perfectly.

Not only is this Garlic Wine Marinara Sauce recipe delicious, but it also has amazing health benefits. By cooking with fresh tomatoes and wholesome spices like oregano and thyme, you are fueling your body with essential antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help fight disease.

So join me in this adventure as we explore the magical world of cooking with wine, garlic, and herbs to create this crowd-pleasing win-win meal for all the family. It’s tasty, healthy and surprisingly easy to make!.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you looking for the perfect marinara sauce recipe that’s full of flavor? Look no further, because this garlic wine marinara sauce recipe is everything you’ve been searching for!

Firstly, the combination of garlic and wine brings a classic Italian flavor to this sauce. The garlic adds a depth of flavor that complements the tomato base and the wine gives it a tangy taste that will elevate your taste buds. This is the perfect way to enjoy the authentic taste of Italian cuisine in your own kitchen.

Secondly, this recipe is versatile and can be used with any dish. Whether you’re cooking mussels or shrimp, this marinara sauce pairs well with seafood dishes. If you’re in the mood for pasta, toss it in and create a delicious pasta dish with flavors that will amaze you. Even non-pasta dishes like cauliflower or Italian sausage would be incomplete without a generous helping of this flavorful sauce.

Lastly, this recipe offers great nutrition benefits. With fresh tomatoes, garlic cloves and extra virgin olive oil being used in this recipe, it’s not just tasty but healthy too! It is important to choose quality ingredients as they truly impact the taste and benefits of your food.

Get ready to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills with this perfect marinara sauce recipe!

Ingredient List

“Pouring a generous splash of red wine into the marinara for a flavorful twist!”

Here is a list of all the ingredients needed for this Garlic Wine Marinara Sauce recipe:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
2 tbsp of dried oregano
1 tbsp of dried thyme
1 tbsp of dried basil
Salt and pepper (to taste)
2 cups of red wine
2 cans (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
2 cans (14 ounces) of diced tomatoes
2 tbsp of tomato paste

Most of these ingredients are pantry staples that you might already have at home. Garlic, onion, and olive oil are the flavor base for many Italian sauces, such as marinara. The use of dried herbs is a common practice with Italian cuisine and provides an added depth to the flavor profile. Don’t worry if you don’t have red wine on hand; this sauce can also be made with white wine or without any wine at all. Lastly, using canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones makes this recipe convenient and practical for a weeknight meal.

The Recipe How-To

“Garlic and wine are the ultimate matchmakers for this delicious marinara sauce.”

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Once the oil heats up, add 4 cloves minced garlic and cook until golden brown, for about 2-3 minutes.
Add in 1 diced onion and stir well.
Continue cooking until the onion softens up and becomes translucent, for about 5-6 minutes.
Pour in ½ cup of red wine, while continuing to stir.
Cook the wine mixture until it has reduced by half, and then add in 2 tbsp of tomato paste.
Stir well to let it cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Add in canned tomatoes, including 2 cans (14 oz) tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, and diced tomatoes.
Now it is time to add the herbs! First, mix in 2 tbsp dried oregano, followed by 1 tbsp dried thyme, and finally, a pinch of dried basil.
Stir and mix all ingredients well before bringing the marinara sauce to a boil.
Once boiling, lower the heat to a medium flame or simmer level for at least an hour or more.
Continue stirring the sauce from time to time so that it does not stick to the bottom of your pan or burn.
After simmering for an hour or so, add some sugar depending on your taste preference, a pinch of salt, and some freshly ground black pepper according to taste.
Let the marinara sauce cook on low heat for another 10-15 minutes, making sure all ingredients are mixed together extremely well.
At this point, your incredible wine marinara sauce should be ready!

Enjoy your perfect marinara sauce with seafood such as mussels or shrimp, or with Italian classics such as spaghetti or lasagna. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for later use.

Substitutions and Variations

“Adding a hint of wine elevates the classic marinara sauce to a whole new level of deliciousness.”

There are many ways to tweak this Garlic Wine Marinara Sauce Recipe to your liking. Here are some of my favorite substitutions and variations:

1. Wine: While we suggest using red wine for this recipe, white wine can also be used to create a lighter flavor. If you want to experiment, try using a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon for a robust marinara sauce.

2. Olive Oil: Try substituting extra-virgin olive oil with virgin olive oil for less intense flavor, or vegetable oil if that’s what you have on hand.

3. Garlic: Depending on your preference, you can increase or decrease the amount of garlic in the recipe. For those who want an additional garlicky flavor boost, I suggest adding 4 cloves of minced garlic instead of just 2.

4. Herbs: Try experimenting with additional herbs such as rosemary, parsley or bay leaves to make it taste even more flavorful.

5. Tomatoes: Feel free to use whole tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes, or fresh chopped tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes.

6. Sugar: If your tomato sauce is a bit too acidic for your taste buds, add one teaspoon of sugar to balance it out.

7. Vegetables: For a heartier marinara sauce, try adding onions, bell peppers, mushrooms or zucchini into the mix.

8. Seafood: Add in some seafood like mussels and shrimp for a lemon garlic shrimp pasta or mix in cooked Italian sausage for an extra-meaty version.

Remember, cooking is all about innovation and experimentation! Don’t be afraid to get creative with these substitutions and variations – they might end up being your new favorite twist on this classic recipe.

Serving and Pairing

“This garlic wine marinara sauce will take your pasta dish to the next level – trust me!”

This garlic wine marinara sauce recipe is fabulous with any pasta, whether it’s spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine. However, this sauce can also be used as a base for a seafood dish. Pair it with fresh mussels, shrimp, or even lobster to create an outstanding seafood pasta dish that will take your taste buds on a journey. You can also serve this sauce over sautéed or roasted veggies like cauliflower or broccoli for a vegetarian twist.

When pairing wine with this flavorful marinara sauce, consider using a red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon. This will bring out the richness of the tomatoes in the dish and add depth to the overall flavor. If you prefer white wine, consider using Italian Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines are light and acidic and can balance out the intense flavors of the garlic and herbs.

To complement the savory notes in the marinara sauce, pair the dish with a side salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette dressing or a slice of garlic bread. The dressing will help cleanse your palate between bites of pasta while the garlic bread will elevate the flavors in the dish.

Overall, this garlic wine marinara sauce is versatile and pairs well with several sides and companion beverages. So why not try it with as many sides and drinks as possible? The possibilities are endless!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

“The aroma of garlic and wine will instantly make your mouth water!”

Imagine those days when you’re running late, and you still want to have a hearty meal on the table. Thanks to this homemade garlic wine marinara sauce recipe, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it for later use. You can make it ahead of time because it stores well, so there’s always some on hand.

Storing the sauce in the refrigerator or freezer is easy. Simply transfer it to an airtight container, and it’s ready for later use. It stores well in the fridge for up to 7 days and up to 3 months in the freezer. The only thing that changes is that the flavors become more intense over time.

When reheating the sauce, you can do so right from frozen or thawed state. When using it from its frozen state, remove it from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator overnight. Then, heat it on medium heat on your stove until heated through.

If you want to reheat leftover sauce from the fridge, then reheat it in a small pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until heated through.

This versatile sauce goes well with different kinds of pasta dishes or seafood. You can also combine this sauce with mussels, shrimp, cauliflower or Italian sausage for an even more exciting meal.

Now that you know how to make and store this amazing garlic wine marinara sauce, go ahead and make a large batch of it so that you always have some on hand when needed!

Tips for Perfect Results

“Nothing beats a homemade marinara sauce infused with garlic and wine.”

Creating the perfect marinara sauce may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tips and tricks, anyone can become a pro chef in their own kitchen. Here are some top tips to ensure that your garlic wine marinara sauce is nothing less than perfect.

1. Use high-quality ingredients

Choosing high-quality ingredients is key to creating the best marinara sauce. Use fresh garlic cloves, canned tomatoes from a reputable brand, and a good quality red wine. It will make all the difference in terms of flavor and consistency.

2. Let it simmer

The longer you let your marinara simmer on low heat, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but if you have more time, let it go for an hour or two. Just make sure to stir occasionally to prevent any sticking or burning.

3. Crush your own tomatoes

If you have time, opt for using fresh, ripe tomatoes and crush them yourself to use for your sauce instead of using pre-canned or diced tomatoes. The flavor will be more pronounced and fresh.

4. Don’t skimp on the herbs

Herbs such as oregano, thyme and basil add depth of flavor to your sauce, so don’t skimp on them! Use a generous amount of dried herbs or fresh herbs to elevate the flavor profile.

5. Use Italian seasoning blend

If you don’t have individual dried herbs in your pantry, use an Italian seasoning blend instead – this will give you all of the flavors without having to measure out multiple herbs.

6. Add sugar

Adding sugar might sound like an unusual step when making marinara sauce but it is crucial to balance out any acidic taste from the tomatoes! Start by adding 1 teaspoon of sugar at a time until desired taste is achieved

7. Pair with the right wine

Make sure to choose a red wine that compliments rather than overwhelms the flavors in your sauce. Cabernet Sauvignon is a great choice, and exactly what this recipe calls for!

By following these simple tips, you are well on your way to creating the best garlic wine marinara sauce that will make your taste buds dance.

FAQ

Before we conclude this marinara sauce recipe, I want to ensure that all your queries related to it are addressed adequately. Therefore, in this section, I will answer your frequently asked questions for your convenience.

What does wine do to marinara sauce?

Red wine has a unique ability to dissolve the fats present in your sauce, such as olive oil or butter. This process results in the release of their flavors, which enhances the overall taste of the sauce. However, it is crucial to give the wine enough time to cook off, so as to eliminate the strong alcoholic taste. A mere splash of this flavorful liquid can go a long way.

What wine is best for marinara sauce?

When it comes to pairing red wine with a marinara sauce, a medium- to full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon is a great choice. The complex flavors of this wine, such as the tannins, black currant notes, vanilla hints, and high acidity, complement the naturally acidic Italian plum tomatoes in the sauce. Overall, this pairing results in a deliciously satisfying and balanced experience.

What can you use instead of red wine in marinara sauce?

When it comes to cooking, red wine plays a huge role in adding a depth of flavor to certain dishes. However, if you don’t have any red wine on hand or want to avoid alcohol, tomato juice can be a great substitute. The acidity and color of tomato juice closely match those of red wine and can be used in equal amounts to achieve the desired taste.

Should I use white or red wine in marinara sauce?

When it comes to tomato sauce, both white and red wine can be an excellent choice to enhance its taste. Red wine can bring richness and a strong flavor to the sauce, whereas white wine adds a fruity note. It’s best to add the wine during the initial stages of cooking, right after the vegetables have softened. Doing so will help the sauce to develop a robust flavor.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this garlic wine marinara sauce is the perfect recipe for all pasta and seafood lovers out there. With its rich flavours and bold taste, you’re bound to fall in love with it from the very first bite. Plus, with tons of substitutions and variations, this recipe can be tailored in so many different ways to fit your personal preferences.

So, whether you’re looking to impress your family members at dinner or trying to indulge in a decadent meal during the weekend, this garlic wine marinara sauce is sure to hit the spot. I urge you to give this recipe a try and experience the magic for yourself – you won’t regret it!

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