How to Make Chunky Marinara Sauce & How to Properly Cool Sauces, Soups and Stews

CookingWithCarolyn's picture

Oct. 04, 2012

Chunky Marinara Sauce recipe can be used as a pasta sauce, a dipping sauce for fried mozzarella or a sauce for lasagna. You can even put it in the food processor to make a smooth pizza sauce. This is a great way to get your kids to eat veggies.

Ingredients

Extra virgin olive oil 1/4 Cup (4 tbs)
Onion 3/4 Cup (12 tbs) , chop
Celery 1/2 Cup (8 tbs) , chop
Red bell pepper 1/2 Cup (8 tbs) , chop
Cremini mushrooms 1/2 Cup (8 tbs) , chop
Zucchini 1/4 Cup (4 tbs) , chop
Summer squash 1/2 Cup (8 tbs) , chop
Carrot 1/4 Cup (4 tbs) , shredded
Seasoning mix 2 Teaspoon (Grand Diamond Seasoning)
Kosher salt 1 Teaspoon
Cracked black pepper 1/2 Teaspoon
Crushed red pepper flakes 1 Teaspoon (optional)
Dried thyme 1 1/2 Teaspoon
Dried oregano 1 Teaspoon
Tomato paste 3 Tablespoon
Whole tomatoes 28 Ounce (1 can)
Tomato sauce can 29 Ounce (1 can)
Low sodium vegetable stock 1 Cup (16 tbs)
Honey 1 Tablespoon
Italian parsley 2 Tablespoon , chopped finely

Directions

GETTING READY

1. Chop the onion, celery, red bell pepper, cremini mushroom, zucchini and summer squash, keep it aside separately.

2. Shred the carrots and finely chop Italian parsley.

MAKING

3. Place a large stock pot over medium to medium-high heat. Pour in the olive oil and allow it to get slightly hot for 2 to 3 minutes. Sauté the onions and celery for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, carrot, and garlic to the pot and stir for another 5 to 7 minutes making sure all of the vegetables are coated with the oil and are able to become slightly softened.

4. Sprinkle in the salt, all purpose seasoning, black pepper, red pepper, thyme, oregano, and tomato paste and stir allowing the dry herbs, spices and paste to warm and coat the vegetables.

5. In a separate bowl, pour in the whole tomatoes and mash with a potato masher. Add the mashed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and stock. Stir to combine all of the ingredients. Turn the heat down to medium low and simmer for 15 minutes.

6. Stir in the honey and keep simmering uncovered for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

7. Once the sauce is cooked you need to cool it by using the ice bath method i.e fill your sink half with water and the other half with ice.

8. Then you place the sauce pot in the ice bath and continue to stir for approximately 30-40 minute. This process will make the cooling of the sauce faster you have to lower the temperature of the sauce to 70 degree.

9. Once the sauce is cooled portion it out and freeze it in re-sealable freezer bags.

SERVING

10. Once done, stir in the parsley and serve over your favorite pasta. Use it in lasagna or as a pizza sauce.

TIPS

Cleaning the mushroom with a damp paper towel retains the texture avoid cleaning it with water.

NOTE

For non vegetarians you can use chicken broth instead of vegetable stock.

Recipe Summary

Difficulty Level: Medium
Cook Time: 120 Minutes
Ready In: 120 Minutes
Servings: 8

Nutrition Facts

Serving size

Calories 145Calories from Fat 69

 % Daily Value*

Total Fat 8 g12.3%

Saturated Fat %

Trans Fat 0 g

Cholesterol

Sodium 886 mg36.92%

Total Carbohydrates 18 g6%

Dietary Fiber 5 g20%

Sugars 11 g

Protein 4 g8%

Vitamin A % Vitamin C %

Calcium % Iron %

*Based on a 2000 Calorie diet