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
- Light your Arteflame grill by soaking three paper napkins in vegetable oil and placing them under firewood.
- Allow the grill to heat for about 20 minutes until the flat cooktop and central grate are hot.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash and halve the tomatoes.
- Drizzle the tomatoes, onion quarters, and garlic cloves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Grill the Vegetables
- Place the halved tomatoes (cut side down), onion quarters, and unpeeled garlic cloves on the flat cooktop or the central grate for direct heat.
- 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.
- Remove the vegetables from the grill and let them cool slightly.
Step 4: Blend the Sauce
- Peel the garlic cloves and transfer them to a blender or food processor.
- Add the grilled tomatoes, onion, fresh basil leaves, oregano, chili flakes (if using), and sugar (if needed).
- Blend until smooth or pulse for a chunkier texture, depending on your preference.
Step 5: Simmer and Adjust
- Pour the blended mixture into a small pot or skillet and place it on the cooler edge of the Arteflame cooktop.
- Let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to thicken and meld the flavors.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Serve or Store
- Use the marinara sauce immediately for pasta, pizza, or dipping.
- 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
- Spicy Marinara: Add extra red chili flakes or a grilled chili pepper for heat.
- Herb-Infused Marinara: Stir in fresh thyme or rosemary for additional herbal notes.
- Garlic Marinara: Double the garlic for a robust, savory flavor.
- Creamy Marinara: Add a splash of heavy cream for a rich and creamy texture.
- 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.
