Marinara sauce is a versatile tomato-based sauce that is used in many Italian dishes. It has a rich, savory flavor that complements a variety of foods.
Origins of Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce originated in Naples, Italy. The name “marinara” comes from the Italian word “marinaro” meaning “sailor”. There are a few theories about how marinara sauce got its name:
- One states that marinara was commonly eaten by sailors because the sauce could be stored onboard ships for long periods of time.
- Another suggests that marinara was quickly and easily prepared by sailor’s wives from tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
- Some also believe the tomato-based sauce was named after Marina di Equa, a seaside village near Naples.
The first known recipe for marinara sauce appeared in an Italian cookbook from 1773. Traditional Neapolitan marinara sauce is made simply with tomatoes, garlic, oregano, olive oil, and sometimes onions. The tomatoes are simmered for a long time so the sauce develops a rich, complex flavor.
Uses for Marinara Sauce
There are many culinary uses for marinara sauce today. Here are some of the most common ways it is used:
On Pasta
Marinara sauce is most often paired with pasta. The sauce coats long noodles like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine. Some popular pasta dishes made with marinara include:
- Spaghetti with marinara sauce
- Linguine with marinara
- Fettuccine Alfredo with marinara
Marinara is also used on stuffed pastas like ravioli, tortellini, and manicotti.
On Pizza
Pizza restaurants often use marinara as the base sauce on pizza. The sauce is spread over the dough before toppings like cheese, vegetables, and meats are added. Marinara pizza frequently has ingredients like:
- Pepperoni
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Green peppers
- Italian sausage
Some other popular marinara pizza varieties include margherita pizza and chicken marinara pizza.
With Seafood
The savory umami flavor of marinara sauce goes well with seafood like shrimp, clams, mussels, and calamari. Some examples of seafood-based dishes that use marinara include:
- Shrimp fra diavolo – Shrimp in a spicy marinara sauce
- Linguine with clam sauce – Clams, garlic, and marinara over linguine
- Mussels marinara – Mussels steamed in marinara
- Calamari marinara – Fried calamari served with marinara dipping sauce
With Chicken
The rich flavor of marinara pairs nicely with chicken too. Marinara sauce can be served with chicken dishes like:
- Chicken parmesan – Breaded chicken breast baked with marinara and mozzarella
- Chicken cacciatore – Chicken braised with vegetables, herbs, and marinara
- Chicken marsala with marinara – Chicken cooked in a marsala wine sauce mixed with marinara
With Meatballs or Sausage
Hearty meats like meatballs and sausages go great with marinara sauce. Some examples include:
- Spaghetti and meatballs
- Meatball sub sandwiches with marinara
- Italian sausage with peppers and onions in marinara
As a Dip or Sauce
The bold tomato flavor of marinara makes it a tasty dipping sauce for various foods like:
- Breadsticks
- Garlic knots
- Fried mozzarella sticks
- Fried vegetables like zucchini and eggplant
Marinara can also be served as a sauce for topping foods like:
- Meatloaf
- Lasagna
- Eggplant Parmesan
Variations of Marinara Sauce
There are many variations of traditional marinara sauce. Some popular ways to put a twist on marinara include:
| Variation | Ingredients Added |
|---|---|
| Vodka marinara | Vodka, cream |
| Spicy marinara | Crushed red pepper, chili flakes |
| Roasted garlic marinara | Roasted garlic |
| Pesto marinara | Basil pesto |
| Bolognese marinara | Ground meat |
Adding ingredients like herbs, spices, vegetables, meat, cheese, wine, and cream allows cooks to put their own unique spin on marinara sauce.
Conclusion
Marinara sauce is a versatile Italian staple used in many dishes. Its tomato base pairs well with ingredients like pasta, seafood, chicken, meatballs, and sausages. While traditional marinara is made simply from tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, creative variations open up many possibilities. Marinara can be used as a sauce for topping or dipping, allowing for both savory and creative applications in the kitchen.