Being the best man isn’t just about doing the right things, saying the right words, or having a fulfilling career and family life. Sometimes, it’s as simple as being able to whip up a great meal for friends or family. One of the easiest and most impressive ways to show you’ve got your life together is knowing how to make a delicious, homemade pasta sauce. Marinara sauce, in particular, is a classic you can master with minimal ingredients and time, but maximum flavor.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a date, or a group of friends, knowing how to make the best pasta sauce will make you stand out. Let’s dive into a simple marinara recipe and explore different ways to use this versatile sauce.
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional, to balance the acidity)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or fresh, if available)
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of spice)
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil: Start by heating the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Olive oil forms the base of your sauce and adds a richness that’ll make your sauce taste more authentic.
- Cook the onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion to the heated oil and sauté for 5-7 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant. This combo builds the foundation of the sauce’s flavor.
- Add the tomatoes: Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes. The tomatoes will simmer into a delicious sauce, so you want to give them some time to break down.
- Season the sauce: Stir in the salt, sugar (if desired), dried oregano, and dried basil. For a little heat, toss in the red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This gives the flavors time to come together and the sauce to thicken.
- Taste and adjust: After the sauce has simmered, give it a taste. Add more salt, herbs, or pepper flakes if needed. If you have fresh basil, stir it in at the end for a burst of freshness.
- Serve and enjoy: Once your sauce is finished, you can use it right away or store it for later. This recipe makes enough for a few meals, so you’re set for the week!
Meals to Use Marinara Sauce In:
Marinara sauce is a kitchen essential because of its versatility. Here are a few meals you can make with it:
- Classic Spaghetti: This is the go-to. Just mix the sauce with cooked spaghetti, and top with grated parmesan. It’s simple but always satisfying.
- Baked Ziti: Layer cooked ziti pasta with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly. It’s an easy way to make a comforting meal for family or friends.
- Homemade Pizza: Spread marinara sauce on pizza dough, then add your favorite toppings. Bake it in the oven for a delicious homemade pizza that everyone will love.
- Meatball Subs: Cook up some meatballs, coat them in marinara, and place them in a sub roll with some melted cheese for a great sandwich.
- Chicken Parmesan: Bread and fry chicken cutlets, then bake them in marinara sauce topped with mozzarella. Serve with a side of pasta for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.
Conclusion:
Being a good guy means taking care of yourself and the people around you. One of the best ways to do that is through food, and mastering a great marinara sauce is a skill that will never go out of style. With just a handful of ingredients and a little time, you can create a sauce that adds flavor to everything from pasta to pizza. So, if you want to impress someone—or just treat yourself—learn to make this sauce. It’s a simple way to elevate your cooking game and show that you’ve got what it takes to be the best man in any situation.