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Recipes Preserves & Condiments No. 10

Classic Marinara

The foundation of Italian cooking. Three ingredients, two hours, endless uses. Make a big batch and freeze it.

Grows from Beefsteak TomatoGarlicBasil
Classic Marinara
Fig. 01 · Classic Marinara Preserves & Condiments
Serves
6
Prep
5m
Cook
30m
Difficulty
Easy
In season

Only worth making with ripe August tomatoes. The rest of the year, good canned tomatoes are better than fresh.

What you'll need

Ingredients

Serves 6
  • 3 lb ripe beefsteak tomatoes, roughly chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • large handful fresh basil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • pinch sugar if needed

How it comes together

Method

  1. Heat olive oil in a wide, heavy pan. Add garlic and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes until fragrant.

  2. Add tomatoes and salt. Cook uncovered over medium heat for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and reduced.

  3. Pass through a food mill or blend partially for a smoother sauce. Taste and adjust: a pinch of sugar balances acidity if needed.

  4. Add basil in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Freeze in portions.

From the kitchen

Tips

  • A wide pan speeds up evaporation and concentrates flavor faster than a deep saucepan.

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