Growing up, we never had jarred pasta. My mother was known for her sauce, something she'd mastered by watching her mother and grandmother. In less than half an hour, she'd whip up a simple marinara that was rich in flavor, thanks to a couple of cloves of garlic, a bay leaf, a pinch of nutmeg, and another pinch of sugar. She's always maintained that one doesn't need to sweat over the stove for hours.
Jersey Girl Cooks blogger Lisa Grant agrees. Her "25-Minute Easy Marinara Sauce" doesn't require fancy ingredients or cooking techniques. She simply sautées garlic in olive oil before pouring in a large can of crushed tomatoes, a few herbs and spices, and a pinch of sugar.
Lisa shared her background, her childhood association with tomato sauce, her favorite way to enhance marinara sauce flavor, why making your own pasta sauce is better, and her favorite ways to enjoy red sauces.
What is your background as a cook?
I am a home cook and have loved cooking since I was 10 years old. I became a blogger over 15 years ago and have since written two beginner cookbooks: The Super Easy Cookbook for Beginners and The 5-Ingredient Dutch Oven Cookbook. I love helping people cook easy meals!
Do you have Italian family?
My dad was from an island in Croatia (Susak) that once belonged to Italy, so the cooking is very Italian-influenced. On my mom's side, some of the family was from northern Italy, including Trieste.
What memories do you associate with tomato sauce?
We typically had Sunday dinner, which included a huge bowl of pasta with "gravy." This was a red sauce with various meats in it.
Can you share any tips for enhancing the flavor of the sauce?
I love using fresh-grown New Jersey crushed tomatoes that I keep in my freezer, but I don't have them all year round, so a good brand of crushed tomatoes works well, especially during the winter months.
Why should you make your own instead of buying a jar?
It is so much better, and you can regulate the salt and spices.
How do you use this marinara sauce?
I love this sauce with any type of pasta, but it is also terrific as a dipping sauce for recipes like oven-fried zucchini.
What do you hope people take away from your recipes?
You can cook good food at home without stress. I love socializing at the dinner table!
>>Get Lisa's 25-minute Easy Marinara Sauce recipe here!<<
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