Are you tired of the same old jarred marinara sauce on your pasta? Look no further. With a few simple additions, you can transform a bland, store-bought sauce into a rich, flavorful masterpiece that will impress even the most discerning palates. In this article, we’ll explore the best ingredients to add to jar marinara sauce, from herbs and spices to meats and vegetables, to take your pasta dishes to the next level.
The Benefits of Using Jar Marinara Sauce as a Base
Before we dive into the world of additions, let’s talk about why using jar marinara sauce as a base is a great idea. Here are a few benefits:
- Convenience: Jar marinara sauce is quick and easy to use, saving you time in the kitchen.
- Consistency: Store-bought sauce provides a consistent flavor profile, which can be hard to achieve when making sauce from scratch.
- Cost-effective: Jar marinara sauce is often cheaper than making your own sauce from scratch.
Herbs and Spices: The Flavor Boosters
Herbs and spices are a great place to start when it comes to adding flavor to your jar marinara sauce. Here are some popular options:
Classic Italian Herbs
- Basil: Fresh or dried, basil adds a bright, summery flavor to your sauce.
- Oregano: Pungent and earthy, oregano is a staple in Italian cooking.
- Thyme: A versatile herb that pairs well with tomato sauce.
Spicy Kick
- Red pepper flakes: Add a spicy kick to your sauce with these flakes.
- Garlic: Minced or crushed, garlic adds depth and richness to your sauce.
Other Options
- Bay leaves: These leaves have a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with tomato sauce.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that typically includes basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
Meat and Seafood: Adding Protein and Flavor
Adding meat or seafood to your jar marinara sauce can add protein, texture, and flavor. Here are some popular options:
Meat
- Ground beef or pork: Browned and drained, ground meat adds a rich, meaty flavor to your sauce.
- Italian sausage: Sliced or crumbled, Italian sausage adds a spicy kick and a meaty flavor.
- Bacon: Crushed or diced, bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor to your sauce.
Seafood
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, shrimp add a pop of protein and flavor to your sauce.
- Scallops: Like shrimp, scallops add a delicate flavor and texture to your sauce.
Vegetables: Adding Texture and Flavor
Vegetables can add texture, flavor, and nutrients to your jar marinara sauce. Here are some popular options:
Aromatics
- Onions: Chopped or caramelized, onions add a sweet, savory flavor to your sauce.
- Bell peppers: Green or red, bell peppers add a crunchy texture and a sweet flavor.
- Mushrooms: Sliced or chopped, mushrooms add an earthy flavor and texture to your sauce.
Other Options
- Eggplant: Chopped or sliced, eggplant adds a meaty texture and a rich flavor to your sauce.
- Zucchini: Grated or sliced, zucchini adds a light, refreshing flavor to your sauce.
Acidity and Sweetness: Balancing Flavors
A good marinara sauce needs a balance of acidity and sweetness. Here are some ingredients that can help achieve that balance:
Acidity
- Lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add brightness and acidity to your sauce.
- Red wine: A small amount of red wine can add depth and acidity to your sauce.
Sweetness
- Sugar: A small amount of sugar can balance out the acidity in your sauce.
- Carrots: Grated or chopped, carrots add a natural sweetness to your sauce.
Umami Flavor: The Secret Ingredient
Umami flavor is the fifth taste, in addition to sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. It’s often described as savory or meaty. Here are some ingredients that can add umami flavor to your jar marinara sauce:
- Mushroom broth: A small amount of mushroom broth can add depth and umami flavor to your sauce.
- Soy sauce: A small amount of soy sauce can add a savory, umami flavor to your sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated or shredded, Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami flavor to your sauce.
Putting it All Together: Sample Recipes
Here are a few sample recipes that combine some of the ingredients we’ve discussed:
- Spicy Italian Sausage Sauce: Combine jar marinara sauce with cooked Italian sausage, red pepper flakes, and chopped onions.
- Seafood Marinara: Combine jar marinara sauce with cooked shrimp, scallops, and garlic.
- Roasted Vegetable Sauce: Combine jar marinara sauce with roasted eggplant, zucchini, and red bell peppers.
By adding a few simple ingredients to your jar marinara sauce, you can create a rich, flavorful sauce that’s sure to impress. Experiment with different combinations of herbs, spices, meats, seafood, and vegetables to find your perfect sauce.
What are some common ingredients to add to jar marinara sauce for extra flavor?
When it comes to elevating the flavor of jar marinara sauce, there are several ingredients you can add to give it a boost. Some common options include garlic, onion, bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives. You can sauté these ingredients in a bit of olive oil before adding the marinara sauce to create a rich and savory flavor profile. Additionally, you can also add some dried or fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley to give the sauce a bright and refreshing taste.
Another option is to add some acidity to the sauce, such as a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar. This will help to balance out the richness of the sauce and add a bit of depth to the flavor. You can also add some spice to the sauce, such as red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños, to give it a bit of heat. The key is to experiment and find the combination of ingredients that works best for you.
How can I add a rich and meaty flavor to jar marinara sauce?
If you want to add a rich and meaty flavor to your jar marinara sauce, there are several options you can try. One idea is to brown some ground beef or sausage in a pan before adding the marinara sauce. This will create a hearty and savory flavor that’s perfect for pasta dishes like spaghetti Bolognese or lasagna. You can also add some diced bacon or pancetta to the sauce for a smoky and umami flavor.
Another option is to add some beef or chicken broth to the sauce to give it a bit of depth and richness. You can also try adding some tomato paste or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce to intensify the tomato flavor. Finally, you can add some grated Parmesan or Romano cheese to the sauce to give it a salty and nutty flavor. The key is to experiment and find the combination of ingredients that works best for you.
What are some ways to add freshness and brightness to jar marinara sauce?
If you want to add some freshness and brightness to your jar marinara sauce, there are several options you can try. One idea is to add some chopped fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano to the sauce. You can also try adding some lemon juice or zest to the sauce to give it a bit of acidity and brightness. Another option is to add some diced bell peppers or onions to the sauce to give it a bit of crunch and freshness.
Finally, you can try adding some garlic or shallots to the sauce to give it a bit of pungency and depth. The key is to use high-quality ingredients and to taste the sauce as you go, adding more of any ingredient until you get the flavor just right. You can also try adding some other ingredients like chopped fresh tomatoes or roasted garlic to the sauce to give it a bit of complexity and interest.
Can I add other types of protein to jar marinara sauce for added flavor and nutrition?
Absolutely, you can add other types of protein to jar marinara sauce to give it a boost of flavor and nutrition. Some options include cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu, which can be added to the sauce and simmered until heated through. You can also try adding some beans or lentils to the sauce for a plant-based protein source.
Another option is to add some nuts or seeds to the sauce, such as pine nuts or sesame seeds, which can provide a bit of crunch and nutrition. You can also try adding some dairy products like ricotta or cottage cheese to the sauce to give it a creamy and rich texture. The key is to experiment and find the combination of ingredients that works best for you.
How can I make jar marinara sauce more spicy or smoky?
If you want to add some heat to your jar marinara sauce, there are several options you can try. One idea is to add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce, which will give it a spicy kick. You can also try adding some hot sauce, such as sriracha or hot sauce, to the sauce for an extra boost of heat.
To add a smoky flavor to the sauce, you can try adding some smoked paprika or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. You can also try adding some bacon or pancetta to the sauce, which will give it a smoky and savory flavor. Finally, you can try adding some grilled or roasted vegetables to the sauce, such as eggplant or zucchini, which will give it a bit of char and smokiness.
Can I use jar marinara sauce as a base for other sauces and braising liquids?
Absolutely, you can use jar marinara sauce as a base for other sauces and braising liquids. One idea is to use it as a base for a Bolognese sauce, which can be made by adding some ground beef or pork to the sauce and simmering it until thickened. You can also try using it as a base for a arrabbiata sauce, which can be made by adding some crushed red pepper flakes and garlic to the sauce.
Another option is to use jar marinara sauce as a base for a braising liquid, which can be used to cook tougher cuts of meat like short ribs or pot roast. Simply add some aromatics like onions and carrots to the sauce, along with some red wine and beef broth, and simmer it until the meat is tender. The key is to experiment and find the combination of ingredients that works best for you.
How can I store and reuse jar marinara sauce to make it last longer?
If you want to store and reuse jar marinara sauce, there are several options you can try. One idea is to transfer the sauce to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to a week. You can also try freezing the sauce, which will allow it to last for several months.
To reuse the sauce, simply thaw it in the fridge or reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can also try adding some new ingredients to the sauce to give it a fresh flavor, such as some chopped herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice. The key is to use high-quality ingredients and to store the sauce properly to ensure it lasts as long as possible.