h1. Lidia's basic marinara sauce recipe

http://www.food.com/recipe/basic-marinara-476783

In 'Lidia's Italy in America' by Lidia Bastianich

h2. Ingredients 

YIELD 4 cups marinara

* 1 (35 ounce) can san marzano tomatoes, with juices (4 cups)
* 1⁄3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
* 1⁄2 cup sliced garlic (that's right, 1/2 cup)
* 1⁄4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
* 1 cup hot water
* 1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
* 1 stalk fresh basil (about 20 leaves)


h2. For Dressing the Pasta

* 1⁄3 cup shredded fresh basil, packed
* 3⁄4 cup freshly grated grana padano or 3⁄4 cup parmigiano-reggiano cheese


h2. Directions

* Pour the tomatoes and their juice into a big mixing bowl.
* Using both hands, crush the tomatoes and break them up into small pieces (you don't have to mash them to bits, Ms. Bastianich likes tomatoes in 1-inch pieces).
* Pour the oil into a big skillet, scatter the garlic slices, and set over med-high heat.
* Cook for 1 1/2 minutes or so, until the slices are sizzling, then push the garlic aside to clear a dry spot to toast the red pepper flakes for 1/2 minute.
* Shake and stir the pan until the garlic slices are light gold and starting to darken.
* Immediately pour in the crushed tomatoes, and stir in with the garlic.
* Rinse out the tomato can and bowl with 1 cup of hot water, and dump this into the skillet as well.
* Increase heat; sprinkle in salt and stir.
* Push the stalk of basil into the sauce until completely covered.
* When the sauce is boiling, cover the pan, decrease the heat slightly, and cook for 10 minutes at an actively bubbling simmer.
* Uncover the pan, and cook another 5 minutes or so.
* The sauce should be only slightly reduced from the original volume, still loose and juicy.
* Before adding pasta, remove the poached basil stalk and discard.
* Keep the sauce on a low simmer until the pasta is ready.
* Prepare 1 pound pasta, drain.
* To dress the pasta with the marinara sauce, toss and cook them together, incorporating the shredded basil.
* Remove the skillet form the heat, and toss in the cheese just before serving.

 #howto - #recipe - #food - #home