Spicy Marinara Dipping Sauce
May 18, 2021
This marinara sauce is thick and spicy; perfect for dipping mozzarella sticks, breadsticks, and garlic bread! Like any good dipping sauce, it's chunky, with pieces of tomato, onion, and garlic mixed in with herbs and red pepper flakes. The pepper flakes are optional; leave them out or reduce the amount if you're not into spicy foods!
Since this sauce is mostly crushed tomatoes, I recommend using a good brand. The flavor of canned tomatoes varies widely. I personally look for San Marzano tomatoes that were grown in Italy. They're pricier, but I think the flavor justifies the price.
This recipe uses the smaller-size, 15-oz. can of crushed tomatoes, since mozzarella sticks will require less sauce. You can keep leftover sauce in a covered container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; freeze it for longer storage. Reheat in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add water if needed.
Spicy Marinara Dipping Sauce
Yield6 servings
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Pin itIngredients
- 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 2 tsp. garlic, minced (2 cloves)
- 1/2 tsp. dried basil
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tbsp. tomato paste
- 15 oz. can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp. maple syrup
- 1/8 tsp. salt
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add chopped onion. Cook until the onion is just beginning to turn golden, about 6-8 minutes.
Add garlic, basil, oregano, and red pepper and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the tomato paste to the pan and mix well. Cook for 30 seconds, then add crushed tomatoes, maple syrup, and salt. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until thickened, about 15 minutes.
Remove from heat and serve with mozzarella sticks, breadsticks, or anything else you'd like!
Notes & Hints
Leave out the red pepper flakes for a heat-free version. Or, add more pepper to increase the heat.
Use a high-quality brand of crushed tomatoes for the best flavor. (I like San Marzano tomatoes imported from Italy.)
Nutrition Data
Serving Size 1/6 of recipe
| Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories 70 | Calories from Fat 45 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 5g | 6% | |
| Saturated Fat 1g | 5% | |
| Trans Fat 0g | ||
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% | |
| Sodium 134mg | 6% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 7g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber 1g | 4% | |
| Sugars 4g | ||
| Protein 1g | 2% | |
| Vitamin A 0mcg RAE | 0% | |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin B12 0mcg | 0% | |
| Vitamin C 10mg | 11% | |
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium 7mg | 1% | |
| Iron 1mg | 6% | |
| Potassium 274mg | 6% | |
| Zinc 0mg | 0% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note: This data should be used only as an estimate. Please see the nutrition section of my terms and conditions for more information on how this data is calculated.
Vegan recipes in your inbox
Join the community and get my newest and best yummy vegan recipes sent right to your email!
Leave a Comment
I love reading comments! I'll do my best to answer questions, too. If you made the recipe, please leave a star rating, it helps support the blog so I can make more recipes and articles. Thank you!
Loading comments...