Marinara sauce in a Crock Pot slow cooker

Marinara Sauce Cooked in a Slow Cooker Crock Pot

Marinara sauce is a staple in many kitchens around the world, perfect for pasta, pizza, or even accompanying various meat or vegetable dishes. This slow cooker Crock Pot marinara sauce recipe will bring joy to every plate, with a rich flavor, aromatic notes, and a perfect consistency. Plus, slow cooking allows the flavors to blend beautifully, giving you time to attend to other activities.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours and 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients:

- 800 g canned tomato pulp (ideally choose a high-quality option with a high tomato content)
- 1 cup homemade ketchup (for an authentic and fresh taste)
- 1 large onion or 2 medium ones (for natural sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for added flavor)
- 4 cloves of garlic (freshly minced, for an intense taste)
- 1 teaspoon of salt (helps intensify the flavors)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
- 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar (for a note of complex acidity)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (a classic spice in tomato sauces)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (for a Mediterranean aroma)
- Freshly ground pepper (to taste)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by finely chopping the onion. This will add sweetness and depth to your sauce. If you have time, you can let it sit for a few minutes after chopping to release its aromas.

2. Sautéing the onion: In a skillet, add the two tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes or until it becomes translucent and slightly golden. This step is essential as sautéing the onion will release its sweetness and provide a flavorful base for the sauce.

3. Combining ingredients in the slow cooker: In the ceramic pot of the slow cooker, add the tomato pulp, sautéed onion, minced garlic, salt, sugar, balsamic vinegar, pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are uniform.

4. Setting the slow cooker: Place the lid on the slow cooker and set the device to Low for 4 hours. Don’t forget to check the sauce after 3 hours and 30 minutes. This is a crucial step, as the consistency of the sauce may vary depending on the moisture of the ingredients and your personal preferences. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer a bit longer.

5. Finishing the sauce: Once the cooking time has expired, check the sauce. It should have a pleasant consistency, not too liquid but not too thick either. If necessary, you can let it simmer without the lid to thicken.

6. Serving: Your marinara sauce is now ready! You can store it in the fridge for a few days or use it immediately. It’s perfect for adding over al dente pasta. Mix well and, if desired, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top for extra flavor.

Practical tips:

- Ingredients: Choose quality canned tomatoes, as they will influence the final taste of the sauce. Ideally, you should use San Marzano tomatoes, known for their sweetness and flavor.
- Variations: You can add chili peppers for a spicy sauce or olives for a Mediterranean touch. You can also experiment with fresh herbs, such as basil, added in the last minutes of cooking.
- Creative serving: Marinara sauce is not just for pasta! You can use it as a base for pizza or to accompany roasted vegetables or meat. It also pairs wonderfully with a serving of bruschetta or mozzarella.

Nutritional benefits:

Marinara sauce is rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, which is associated with health benefits, including protection against cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer. Additionally, garlic and the herbs used add extra nutrients and antimicrobial properties.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you will need to peel and mash them well. Fresh tomatoes may require a longer cooking time.
- What pasta pairs best with marinara sauce? Long pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, is the most common, but the sauce also goes well with short pasta, such as penne or fusilli.
- How can I preserve marinara sauce? You can freeze the sauce in small portions using containers or freezer bags. It’s ideal for a quick meal on busy days.

This slow cooker marinara sauce is a simple yet flavorful recipe that will turn any meal into a true feast. With the right ingredients and a little patience, you’ll create a delicious sauce that will delight your family and friends. Enjoy your meal!