Imagine a marinara sauce so rich and complex that it transforms an ordinary pasta night into a gourmet experience. Our Brown Butter Sun-Dried Tomato Marinara isn't just another tomato sauce—it's a culinary revelation that will make your taste buds dance with delight! By combining the nutty depth of brown butter with the intense, concentrated flavor of sun-dried tomatoes, this recipe elevates a classic Italian staple into a truly extraordinary sauce that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rehydrating the sun-dried tomatoes. If they are not already packed in oil, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes until they become soft and plump. Drain and chop finely.
- Place a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt slowly, watching carefully as it begins to foam and turn a golden brown color. The butter will develop a nutty aroma, which is the key to creating a rich, deep flavor.
- Once the butter has reached a golden brown color, immediately add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 30-45 seconds, being careful not to burn it, as this can make the sauce bitter.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the brown butter and garlic mixture. Stir and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine with the brown butter and sun-dried tomato base. Add the dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 20-25 minutes. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. If the sauce seems too acidic, you can add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and intensify.
- Serve hot over pasta, use as a dipping sauce, or as a base for other Italian dishes. The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Choose High-Quality Butter: Use unsalted, good-quality butter for the best brown butter flavor.
- Watch the Butter Carefully: Brown butter can quickly go from golden to burnt, so keep a close eye on the pan.
- Rehydration is Key: If using dried sun-dried tomatoes, ensure they're fully soft before chopping.
- Low and Slow Simmering: Allow the sauce to simmer gently to develop deep, rich flavors.
- Taste and Adjust: Don't be afraid to add a pinch of sugar if the sauce is too acidic.
- Storage Tip: This sauce freezes beautifully for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
- Versatility Matters: Use this sauce not just for pasta, but as a base for pizzas, as a dipping sauce, or in casseroles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
