Copycat Rao’s Marinara Sauce
If you love Italian food, you probably know about Rao’s Marinara Sauce. It’s a favorite for pasta lovers and is known for its simple yet delicious flavor. Making a copycat version at home means you can enjoy this iconic sauce anytime without a trip to the store. Let’s dive into how to make this amazing sauce!
Why Make This Recipe
Making Copycat Rao’s Marinara Sauce at home is both easy and rewarding. You get to control the ingredients, focusing on quality and freshness. Plus, it’s a great way to impress family and friends with your homemade Italian cooking skills. This sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping bread.
How to Make Copycat Rao’s Marinara Sauce
Ingredients:
- 28 oz San Marzano tomatoes (whole or crushed)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ small onion (finely chopped)
- 3-4 leaves fresh basil (torn)
- Salt (to taste)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Directions:
- Prepare Tomatoes: If using whole tomatoes, crush them by hand or use a blender for a smoother texture.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until they are soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes: Stir in the prepared tomatoes. If you like heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Simmer: Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors blend.
- Finish with Basil: Just before serving, stir in the torn basil leaves. Adjust salt to your taste.
How to Serve Copycat Rao’s Marinara Sauce
Serve your Copycat Rao’s Marinara Sauce over pasta, use it as a base for pizza, or dip warm breadsticks in it. It pairs nicely with grated Parmesan cheese on top and a sprinkle of more fresh basil.
How to Store Copycat Rao’s Marinara Sauce
Let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in small portions. It will last for about 3 months in the freezer.
Tips to Make Copycat Rao’s Marinara Sauce
- Use high-quality San Marzano tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Don’t rush the sautéing process; it builds the sauce’s depth.
- Feel free to add other herbs like oregano or parsley for your unique twist.
Variation
You can add ground meat or sausage to make a meat sauce. Simply brown the meat with the onion before adding garlic and tomatoes.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just peel and dice them before cooking.
2. Is this sauce spicy?
The sauce is not spicy by default, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
3. Can I make this sauce vegan?
Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are vegan-friendly.
Enjoy making your Copycat Rao’s Marinara Sauce at home! It’s an easy and delicious way to bring the taste of Italian cuisine right to your kitchen.
Copycat Rao's Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 28 oz San Marzano tomatoes (whole or crushed) Use high-quality San Marzano tomatoes for the best flavor.
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ small onion (finely chopped)
- 3-4 leaves fresh basil (torn) Add just before serving.
- to taste Salt
- optional Crushed red pepper flakes For heat.
Instructions
Preparation
- If using whole tomatoes, crush them by hand or use a blender for a smoother texture.
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until they are soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
Cooking
- Stir in the prepared tomatoes. If you like heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Just before serving, stir in the torn basil leaves. Adjust salt to your taste.
