Can You Freeze Marinara Sauce?
The answer is yes, but not the way you might think.
Freezing marinara sauce is not the best thing you can do to your food. It will break down the sauce and make it lose some of its flavors.
However, freezing the sauce does not cause it to spoil. The best way to freeze it is to simply leave it in a container and allow it to freeze for several hours.
You can also thaw the sauce in the microwave or keep it in a refrigerator.
What is Marinara sauce?
Marinara sauce is a homemade red sauce, a basic tomato sauce made from tomatoes, onions, garlic, and oregano.
Italian cuisine often makes use of this ingredient, which is often used in pasta dishes.
It is a very versatile sauce and can be used in many ways, such as pasta, sauces, and salsas.
How to Freeze Marinara Sauce?
If you need some homemade pasta sauce for a weeknight meal, you can make a big batch and store it in your freezer until needed. The method we’re about to teach you is a great way to stretch your grocery budget and make a delicious, low-fat, healthy, homemade sauce that tastes even better than jarred versions.
Process:
STEP 1 In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
STEP 2 Add the onions and celery, frequently stirring, until they start to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and stir until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.
STEP 3 Add the crushed tomatoes, then the remaining ingredients (minus the salt). Stir occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Cook the sauce on medium heat, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes, occasionally stirring, until the sauce thickens.
STEP 4 Transfer the cooked sauce to a storage container or freezer container. Pour boiling water into the bottom of the container to completely cover the bottom. Put the lid on and freeze for 2 hours. Remove the frozen container from the freezer, put it in the refrigerator overnight, then use the sauce as desired.
How to Defrost Marinara Sauce?
Defrosting marinara sauce is one of those tasks that should be done right the first time. Whether you are making the sauce for your next pasta meal or simply for a special occasion, the key is to make sure that the sauce is heated thoroughly and cooled down. Read on to learn how to defrost marinara sauce.
Process:
STEP 1 Pour the sauce into a colander to drain and rinse. A colander is a perfect tool for draining and rinsing the tomato mixture. The small holes allow the moisture to drip out while keeping the tomatoes in the center.
STEP 2 Heat the sauce in a pan over low heat. It’s important to remember that the sauce is still hot, so handle it carefully. Do not let it get cold at any point while cooling it.
STEP 3 Add a few ice cubes to the pan and stir. Put the lid on the pan and turn the heat up to high. It would be best if you had all of the ice melted by the time you took off the lid. Remove the ice and discard.
STEP 4 Place the pan back over the stove and heat it back up over medium-low.
STEP 5 Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature. This will take approximately 10 minutes. Once the sauce is cool to the touch, pour it into a container or jar and refrigerate it. Keeps for about a month in the fridge.
Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe:
- 1 cup olive oil
- 2 cups chopped onion
- ½ cup chopped celery
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cans crushed tomatoes
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 4 teaspoons dried basil
- 4 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
- Over medium heat, heat the oil in a heavy skillet.
- Add onions and celery; sauté until softened, about 6 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in tomatoes and heat through.
- Stir often for 30 minutes, then lower the heat to medium-low.
- Add vinegar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cook another 30 minutes, often stirring, until slightly thickened.
- Serve warm or chilled. Yield: 8 servings.
Last Words
If you want to master Italian cooking food, start with this simple recipe for homemade marinara sauce. You can create a delicious sauce that will wow everyone who tastes it with just easy steps!
What do you think? Do you remember the first time you made homemade marinara sauce? If yes, what was your favorite way to serve it? Share your thoughts below.
