Arteflame Grilled Marinara Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Marinara sauce made on the Arteflame grill brings a smoky depth to the classic Italian tomato sauce. Fire-roasting the tomatoes, garlic, and onions elevates the sauce, making it perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ripe tomatoes (Roma or vine-ripened)
• 1 small onion, peeled and quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, unpeeled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Light your Arteflame grill by soaking three paper napkins in vegetable oil and placing them under firewood.
2. Allow the grill to heat for about 20 minutes until the flat cooktop and central grate are hot.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Wash and halve the tomatoes.
2. Drizzle the tomatoes, onion quarters, and garlic cloves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Grill the Vegetables

1. Place the halved tomatoes (cut side down), onion quarters, and unpeeled garlic cloves on the flat cooktop or the central grate for direct heat.
2. Grill the vegetables until they are charred and softened:
   • Tomatoes: 4-6 minutes per side.
   • Onion: About 10 minutes, turning occasionally.
   • Garlic: About 5-6 minutes, turning frequently.
3. Remove the vegetables from the grill and let them cool slightly.

Step 4: Blend the Sauce

1. Peel the garlic cloves and transfer them to a blender or food processor.
2. Add the grilled tomatoes, onion, fresh basil leaves, oregano, chili flakes (if using), and sugar (if needed).
3. Blend until smooth or pulse for a chunkier texture, depending on your preference.

Step 5: Simmer and Adjust

1. Pour the blended mixture into a small pot or skillet and place it on the cooler edge of the Arteflame cooktop.
2. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to thicken and meld the flavors.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve or Store

1. Use the marinara sauce immediately for pasta, pizza, or dipping.
2. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for later use.

Tips

• Use Ripe Tomatoes: The quality of the tomatoes makes a significant difference in flavor.
• Smoky Flavor: Grill the tomatoes directly over the flame for a deeper smoky taste.
• Consistency: Adjust the thickness by simmering longer for a thicker sauce or adding a splash of water for a thinner texture.

Variations

1. Spicy Marinara: Add extra red chili flakes or a grilled chili pepper for heat.
2. Herb-Infused Marinara: Stir in fresh thyme or rosemary for additional herbal notes.
3. Garlic Marinara: Double the garlic for a robust, savory flavor.
4. Creamy Marinara: Add a splash of heavy cream for a rich and creamy texture.
5. Vegetable Marinara: Blend in grilled zucchini or bell peppers for added depth and sweetness.

Pairings

• Pasta: Toss with spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni for a classic meal.
• Pizza: Spread over a pizza crust as a flavorful base for your toppings.
• Dipping Sauce: Serve with breadsticks, mozzarella sticks, or fried zucchini.
• Grilled Proteins: Use as a sauce for chicken, meatballs, or fish.

Conclusion

Grilling the ingredients on the Arteflame adds a smoky, fire-roasted flavor to this marinara sauce, making it a standout accompaniment for any dish. Its versatility and rich taste will turn any meal into a culinary experience.