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What is marinara?

Marinara sauce is a delightful, zesty tomato sauce that's a staple in Italian cuisine. It's made from tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs like basil and oregano, all simmered together to create a wonderfully flavorful sauce. Marinara is super versatile—it's perfect for tossing with pasta, layering in lasagnas, dipping mozzarella sticks, or smothering on a meatball sub.

What makes marinara so special?

Marinara is all about simplicity and quality. Traditionally, it is made with just a few key ingredients—ripe tomatoes, fresh garlic, olive oil, and herbs—each component is allowed to shine, creating a harmoniously vibrant sauce. The tomatoes are the stars of the show, providing a rich, tangy base that's brightened by aromatic garlic and herbs like basil or oregano.

What’s really fantastic about marinara is its versatility. Whether it’s ladled over spaghetti, used as a dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks, or spooned onto a pizza base, marinara adds a touch of rustic Italian flair to any dish. Its ease of preparation and fast cooking time make it a go-to choice for a quick, delicious meal that doesn't compromise on taste.

Moreover, marinara sauce is not just tasty but also wholesome. Packed with tomatoes, it offers a good dose of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. It’s a heart-healthy option that can be enjoyed by everyone, including those on vegan or vegetarian diets.

The origin of marinara and it’s brief history

The story of marinara begins in the sun-kissed regions of Southern Italy, particularly in Naples. The term "marinara" is derived from "marinaro," which means "mariner" or "sailor." It's widely believed that the sauce was first made by the wives of Neapolitan sailors upon their return from sea. They would quickly whip up this sauce using the few, but fresh ingredients readily available to them: ripe tomatoes, fragrant garlic, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Marinara sauce dates back to the mid-16th century when tomatoes, brought to Europe from the Americas, were first integrated into the local cuisines. Initially, tomatoes were met with suspicion and thought to be poisonous. However, eventually, they became a cornerstone ingredient in Italian cooking. The simplicity and quick preparation time of marinara sauce not only made it a perfect dish for returning sailors but also for the families who needed to prepare meals promptly.

The beauty of marinara sauce lies in its versatility. Originally served as a simple condiment for pasta, it has evolved over the centuries and now serves as a base for a myriad of dishes, including pizza, meatballs, seafood, and more. Each region in Italy and cook in each household often adds their personal touch, which might be a sprinkle of chili flakes, capers, olives, or a dash of wine, making each marinara sauce unique in its own right.

The spread of Italian immigrants to the United States and other parts of the world in the 19th and 20th centuries brought marinara sauce to international fame. It was embraced globally and integrated beautifully with various local cuisines, adding a touch of Italian flair wherever it went.

The Best Marinara - The Delallo Difference

Our marinara sauce is crafted with passion and precision, using only the finest, sun-ripened tomatoes. These tomatoes are then simmered with a selection of fresh herbs, fragrant garlic, and a splash of extra virgin olive oil, creating a sauce that's bursting with robust flavors. What sets DeLallo marinara apart is our commitment to tradition and quality. We use recipes that have been cherished and handed down through generations, ensuring that each spoonful you taste is packed with the genuine flavors of Italy.

Ways to use marinara sauce

Marinara sauce is one of those magical kitchen staples that can transform simple ingredients into something truly special. Here are some fun and friendly ways to use marinara sauce that might inspire your next meal!

1. Classic Spaghetti: Let’s start with the basics. Toss cooked spaghetti with warm marinara sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil for a timeless dish everyone loves.
2. Perfect as a Dip: Heat up your marinara sauce and use it as a dip for arancini, breadsticks, pizza bread, or even grilled cheese sandwiches. It’s a guaranteed hit for any gathering!
3. Shakshuka: Give your morning a twist by simmering marinara sauce in a pan and cracking a few eggs into it. Cover and cook until the eggs are just set. Try our version with this Fiery Baked Eggs recipe.
4. Pizza Night: Skip the store-bought pizza sauce and spread marinara sauce over your pizza dough. Top with your favorite ingredients for an easy, homemade pizza night. Try making our Penne Pasta Pizza recipe!
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Hollow out some bell peppers and fill them with a mixture of rice, ground meat, and plenty of marinara sauce. Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is juicy and flavorful.
6. Meatball Subs: Simmer meatballs in marinara sauce until they’re juicy and tender. Load them onto crusty rolls, top with melted cheese, and you’ve got yourself a comfort food classic that's perfect for any meal.
7. Layered Lasagna: Alternate layers of lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, spinach, and marinara sauce in a baking dish. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake until bubbly. It’s a warm, comforting dish ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
8. Baked Parmesan Dishes: Bread chicken or eggplant slices, fry until golden, and then bake in a casserole dish with marinara sauce and plenty of Parmesan cheese. Serve with a side of spaghetti for a delightful Parmigiana that’s sure to please.
9. Easy Soup: Mix marinara sauce with vegetable broth, your choice of beans, and some pasta for an impromptu minestrone soup a delicious and fun Cheeseburger Dill Pickle Soup or a classic Lasagna Soup. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a comforting meal in a hurry.

Marinara Sauce: FAQ

Why do Americans call it marinara?

The term "marinara" actually comes from the Italian phrase "alla marinara," which translates to "sailor-style." This sauce made its way into American cuisine largely through Italian immigrants who adapted their traditional recipes to their new surroundings. In the U.S., marinara sauce has become a beloved staple, known for its versatility and delicious flavor in various dishes.

Is marinara sauce just tomatoes?

Marinara sauce starts with tomatoes as its base, which are definitely the star of the show. But it's not just tomatoes alone. Marinara also includes some tasty additions like garlic, onions, and herbs such as basil and oregano, all simmered together to create that classic flavor we love.

What is classic marinara sauce made of?

Classic marinara sauce, a staple in Italian cooking, is wonderfully simple and delicious! It's typically made from key fresh ingredients including ripe tomatoes, which form the base of the sauce. To that, fresh garlic and onions are often added for depth and flavor. A touch of olive oil is used to sauté these aromatics before the tomatoes are added.

Herbs play a crucial role too; basil is a favorite for its sweet and peppery flavor, and sometimes oregano is included for its earthy notes. All these are simmered together until the flavors meld beautifully. A pinch of salt and pepper can be added for seasoning, and sometimes a bit of sugar is used to cut the acidity of the tomatoes.

What is the difference between marinara and tomato sauce?

Marinara sauce is a quick-cooking sauce that's typically made with just a few key ingredients: tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs. This sauce is all about simplicity and freshness and is usually a bit chunkier and brighter in flavor since it spends less time simmering on the stove.

Tomato sauce, on the other hand, is usually cooked longer and often starts with a similar base of tomatoes but might include a wider variety of ingredients like carrots, celery, and meat. This sauce tends to be smoother and more complex in flavor due to the longer cooking time and additional ingredients.

Both sauces are incredibly versatile and can be used in a plethora of dishes, but choosing one over the other can depend on your flavor preferences and how much time you've got to cook.

What is the difference between marinara and spaghetti sauce?

The difference between marinara and spaghetti sauce mainly lies in their ingredients and complexity. Marinara is a simple sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and onions. It's known for its bright, fresh tomato flavor and is usually cooked quickly.

Spaghetti sauce, on the other hand, can be a bit heartier. It often starts with a marinara base but might include added meats, vegetables, and sometimes a touch of cream or a splash of wine. This sauce usually simmers longer, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

What is the difference between marinara and pizza sauce?

As mentioned earlier, Marinara sauce is a quick-cooking sauce, made with tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and onions. Its ingredients are simmered together for a short time, which helps to maintain a fresher, more vibrant tomato flavor.

Pizza sauce, on the other hand, is specifically designed for pizzas. It's typically thicker with a more concentrated tomato flavor, which is ideal under layers of cheese and toppings. Unlike marinara, pizza sauce is often uncooked when spread on the pizza dough. The ingredients blend and cook directly on the pie in the hot oven, creating a rich, integrated flavor that stands up to the baking process.

Where can I buy Delallo Marinara?

Order from a wide variety of DeLallo Marinara Sauces online or find it at most major supermarkets across the country.