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Flavorful Marinara Sauce with Spicy Calabrian Chili

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A quick and easy marinara sauce with a bold twist of smoky, spicy Calabrian chili, perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp Calabrian chili paste (adjust to taste)
  • 28 oz (800 g) can crushed San Marzano tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • A handful fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) water or vegetable broth (to adjust consistency if needed)

Instructions

  1. Heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat until it shimmers, about 2 minutes.
  2. Add 1 finely chopped medium yellow onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent but not browned.
  3. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tablespoons of Calabrian chili paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring to avoid burning the garlic.
  4. Pour in the 28 oz can of crushed San Marzano tomatoes and add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
  5. Add 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon sugar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If desired, add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Stir everything together.
  6. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add up to ¼ cup water or vegetable broth if the sauce thickens too much.
  7. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in a handful of chopped fresh basil leaves.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or chili paste as needed before serving.

Notes

If sauce tastes too acidic, add a pinch more sugar. Stir every 10 minutes to prevent sticking and encourage even cooking. Use fresh garlic and onion for best flavor. Adjust chili paste gradually to control heat. For chunkier sauce, use whole peeled tomatoes and crush by hand.

Nutrition

Keywords: marinara sauce, Calabrian chili, spicy tomato sauce, Italian sauce, easy marinara, homemade sauce, pasta sauce, vegan sauce, gluten-free sauce

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/flavorful-marinara-sauce-with-spicy-calabrian-chili-easy-recipe-to-make-at-home/