Marinara Dipping Sauce
User Reviews
5
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
8 servings (1/4 cup each)
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Calories
30 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Marinara Dipping Sauce
Description
This dipping sauce starts by gently browning whole garlic cloves in olive oil to infuse aroma without adding garlic pieces to the sauce. After removing the garlic, dried basil and oregano are lightly cooked in the flavored oil to release their essences. Tomato sauce is then added and simmered to meld flavors and create a cohesive sauce. Salt seasons the mixture to taste.
The resulting sauce is smooth, with herbal and garlicky notes balanced by tomato’s mild acidity. The removal of garlic solids and moderate cooking ensures a clean texture suitable for dipping.
Marinara Dipping Sauce is ideal served warm alongside breads, fried appetizers, or as a simple complement for snacks. It can be made ahead, stored refrigerated for several days, or frozen for longer use. Heating gently preserves the flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic peeled and smashed (see note 1)
- 1/2 teaspoon basil see note 2, dried
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano dried
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- salt
Instructions
- Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add garlic cloves and sauté until browned, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove garlic and discard.
- Stir in basil and oregano until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Reduce heat to medium, stir in tomato sauce and salt to taste (I like 1/4 teaspoon), and simmer until flavors have blended, about 10 minutes. Keep warm over low-heat until serving time, or cool completely and store covered in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Infusing olive oil with browned garlic before removing prevents strong garlic bites and creates a smooth sauce.
- Cooking dried basil and oregano in oil releases their flavors more fully than adding them directly to sauce.
- The recipe yields about 2 cups, enough for 8 servings of 1/4 cup each.
- Store covered in the refrigerator up to 4 days or freeze in containers with headspace for up to 3 months.
- The sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and reheated gently to maintain flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings (1/4 cup each)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 30 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 0.25cup | |
| Calories | 30kcal | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 1% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 2g | 3% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.3g | 2% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 252mg | 11% |
| Potassium | 166mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 233IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 13mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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