Beyond Marinara: Elevating Recipes with the Best Jarred Tomato Sauce
Jarred tomato sauce: a pantry staple, a weeknight savior, and the unsung hero of countless delicious meals. While homemade tomato sauce undoubtedly holds a special place in the culinary world, the convenience and accessibility of a good jarred sauce make it an invaluable asset for busy cooks. But let’s be honest – not all jarred tomato sauces are created equal. Some are bland, some are overly acidic, and some just lack that certain *je ne sais quoi* that makes a dish truly sing. In this article, we’ll explore how to navigate the often-overwhelming world of jarred tomato sauce, identify the qualities of a truly *great* sauce, and most importantly, provide you with delicious and inventive recipes that go far beyond your basic spaghetti and meatballs.
Choosing the Right Jarred Tomato Sauce: A Buyer’s Guide
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s equip you with the knowledge to confidently select the best jarred tomato sauce for your needs. Here’s what to look for:
* **Ingredients Matter:** Read the label carefully. The ingredient list should be relatively short and consist of ingredients you recognize. Look for high-quality tomatoes (like San Marzano), olive oil, garlic, onions, herbs (basil, oregano), and salt. Avoid sauces with excessive amounts of sugar, artificial flavors, preservatives, or corn syrup.
* **San Marzano Tomatoes:** These are often considered the gold standard for tomato sauce. Grown in the volcanic soil of the Agro Sarnese-Nocerino region of Italy, San Marzano tomatoes are known for their sweet flavor, low acidity, and firm flesh. If a sauce boasts San Marzano tomatoes, it’s generally a good sign.
* **Organic vs. Non-Organic:** Choosing organic is a personal preference, but it can offer peace of mind knowing that the tomatoes were grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
* **Flavor Profile:** Consider the flavor profile of the sauce. Do you prefer a simple marinara, a spicy arrabbiata, or a rich and robust tomato sauce with meat? Choose a sauce that complements the dish you’re planning to make. For example, a simple marinara is great for a light pasta dish, while a meat sauce is better suited for lasagna or baked ziti.
* **Texture:** Some sauces are smooth and velvety, while others have a chunkier texture. Consider what texture you prefer in your sauce. Chunky sauces are great for heartier dishes, while smooth sauces are ideal for pizzas or delicate pasta dishes.
* **Sodium Content:** Be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you’re watching your salt intake. Some jarred sauces can be surprisingly high in sodium. Look for lower-sodium options or be prepared to adjust the seasoning in your recipes accordingly.
* **Price Point:** Price isn’t always an indicator of quality, but generally, you get what you pay for. Cheaper sauces often use lower-quality ingredients and may contain additives. It’s worth spending a little extra for a sauce that tastes better and is made with better ingredients.
* **Taste Test:** The best way to find your favorite jarred tomato sauce is to try different brands and varieties. Buy a few different jars and do a taste test. Heat each sauce up and taste it on its own. Note the flavor, texture, and acidity. This will help you determine which sauces you prefer and which ones you want to use in your recipes.
Elevating Jarred Tomato Sauce: Simple Tips and Tricks
Even the best jarred tomato sauce can benefit from a little extra love. Here are some simple tips and tricks to elevate your jarred sauce and make it taste even better:
* **Sauté Aromatics:** Before adding the sauce, sauté aromatics like garlic, onions, and shallots in olive oil. This will add depth and complexity to the flavor of the sauce.
* **Add Fresh Herbs:** Stir in fresh herbs like basil, oregano, parsley, or thyme. Fresh herbs brighten the flavor of the sauce and add a vibrant aroma.
* **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. You can also use other spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, or cayenne pepper.
* **Add a Splash of Wine:** Deglaze the pan with a splash of red or white wine after sautéing the aromatics. The wine will add depth and complexity to the flavor of the sauce.
* **Simmer, Simmer, Simmer:** Simmering the sauce for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and develop. The longer you simmer the sauce, the richer and more flavorful it will become.
* **Add a Touch of Sweetness:** If your sauce is too acidic, add a pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to balance the flavors.
* **Enrich with Butter or Cream:** A pat of butter or a splash of cream can add richness and smoothness to the sauce.
* **Vegetable Boost:** Incorporating finely grated or pureed vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers can add sweetness and nutrients to your sauce, especially beneficial if you’re looking to sneak in extra veggies for kids (or picky adults!).
* **Umami Enhancement:** Add a tablespoon of tomato paste for a concentrated tomato flavor and umami boost. Anchovy paste (just a tiny bit!) is another secret weapon for adding savory depth without making the sauce taste fishy.
* **Don’t Forget the Salt and Pepper:** Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper. Taste the sauce throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Beyond Pasta: Creative Recipes Using Jarred Tomato Sauce
Now for the fun part: putting your knowledge and elevated jarred tomato sauce to good use! These recipes showcase the versatility of jarred tomato sauce and prove that it’s much more than just a pasta topping.
1. Shakshuka: A Spicy Tomato and Egg Breakfast
Shakshuka is a North African and Middle Eastern dish consisting of eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce. It’s a delicious and satisfying breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 (24-ounce) jar of your favorite tomato sauce
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 6 eggs
* Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish
* Crusty bread, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and bell pepper and cook for another 3 minutes, until slightly softened.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Using a spoon, create 6 wells in the sauce. Crack an egg into each well.
6. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your liking. The whites should be set, but the yolks should still be runny.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve with crusty bread for dipping.
2. Chicken Parmesan: A Classic Comfort Food
Chicken Parmesan is a beloved Italian-American dish featuring breaded chicken cutlets smothered in tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. This recipe simplifies the process by using jarred tomato sauce as a base.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 large eggs, beaten
* 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned preferred)
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 1 (24-ounce) jar of your favorite tomato sauce
* 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
* Cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch).
3. Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.
4. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
5. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
7. Place the cooked chicken breasts in the baking dish. Top each chicken breast with tomato sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
3. Pizza Margherita: A Simple and Delicious Pizza
Pizza Margherita is a classic Neapolitan pizza topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. Using jarred tomato sauce makes this recipe quick and easy.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
* 1/2 cup of your favorite tomato sauce
* 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
* Fresh basil leaves
* Olive oil, for drizzling
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). If using a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven as well.
2. Roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness and shape.
3. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
4. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
5. Arrange the mozzarella cheese slices over the sauce.
6. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves.
9. Drizzle with olive oil and serve immediately.
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers: A Healthy and Flavorful Meal
Stuffed bell peppers are a colorful and nutritious meal that can be customized with your favorite fillings. This recipe uses jarred tomato sauce as a flavorful base.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 large bell peppers (any color)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
* 1 cup cooked rice
* 1/2 cup of your favorite tomato sauce
* 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
5. Drain off any excess grease.
6. Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, corn kernels, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Stuff the bell peppers with the meat mixture.
8. Place the stuffed bell peppers in a baking dish. Add about 1/2 inch of water to the bottom of the dish.
9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and sprinkle the stuffed bell peppers with shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.
11. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bell peppers are tender.
5. Tomato Soup: A Classic Comfort Food with a Twist
Upgrade your standard tomato soup by using a good quality jarred sauce as your base. This makes the process simple and delicious.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (24-ounce) jar of your favorite tomato sauce
* 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
* 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
* Grilled cheese sandwiches or croutons, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce and vegetable broth or chicken broth.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. If desired, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.
6. Stir in the heavy cream, if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches or croutons.
6. Pasta e Fagioli: Hearty Italian Bean and Pasta Soup
This robust soup, meaning “pasta and beans,” is a comforting and nutritious meal. Jarred tomato sauce adds depth and flavor to the broth.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (24-ounce) jar of your favorite tomato sauce
* 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
* 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
* 1/2 cup ditalini pasta or other small pasta
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
* Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 8 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce and vegetable broth or chicken broth.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
5. Add the cannellini beans and ditalini pasta. Cook until the pasta is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
7. Sloppy Joes: A Family-Friendly Classic
Upgrade this classic sandwich by using a quality jarred tomato sauce and adding your own touch of spices for a truly satisfying meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 (24-ounce) jar of your favorite tomato sauce
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon mustard
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Hamburger buns, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve on hamburger buns.
8. Tomato and Mozzarella Skewers with Balsamic Glaze: An Elegant Appetizer
These simple skewers are a crowd-pleasing appetizer, and using a good quality jarred tomato sauce as a dipping sauce elevates them to the next level.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pint cherry tomatoes
* 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
* Fresh basil leaves
* Wooden skewers
* 1/2 cup of your favorite tomato sauce, warmed
* Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
**Instructions:**
1. Thread a cherry tomato, a mozzarella ball, and a basil leaf onto each skewer.
2. Arrange the skewers on a platter.
3. Serve with warmed tomato sauce for dipping.
4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
9. Baked Eggs in Tomato Sauce with Feta: A Mediterranean Delight
Similar to Shakshuka, this dish is baked in the oven, resulting in perfectly cooked eggs nestled in a flavorful tomato sauce, topped with salty feta cheese.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (24-ounce) jar of your favorite tomato sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 4 eggs
* 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
* Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. Stir in the tomato sauce and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
6. Using a spoon, create four wells in the sauce. Crack an egg into each well.
7. Sprinkle feta cheese over the sauce and eggs.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your liking.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately, with crusty bread if desired.
10. Mussels Marinara: A Seafood Extravaganza
Mussels steamed in a rich tomato sauce are a classic Italian seafood dish. Using jarred tomato sauce ensures a quick and flavorful preparation.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
* 1 (24-ounce) jar of your favorite tomato sauce
* 1/2 cup dry white wine
* 2 pounds mussels, scrubbed and debearded
* Fresh parsley, chopped
* Crusty bread, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
2. Stir in the tomato sauce and white wine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Add the mussels to the pot. Cover and cook until the mussels have opened, about 5-7 minutes. Discard any mussels that do not open.
4. Stir in the fresh parsley.
5. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping.
Conclusion: Embrace the Versatility of Jarred Tomato Sauce
Jarred tomato sauce is a pantry staple that can be used in countless ways. By choosing a high-quality sauce and elevating it with simple tips and tricks, you can create delicious and satisfying meals that go far beyond your basic pasta dish. So, the next time you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, reach for a jar of your favorite tomato sauce and get creative! The possibilities are endless.