There are few things in life as comforting as a rich, slow-simmered tomato sauce — and when it comes to jarred marinara, Rao's Homemade has earned a reputation that stands in a league of its own. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or someone who simply wants a delicious, fuss-free meal on the table, Rao's Marinara Sauce delivers the kind of depth and authenticity that most sauces only dream of. Here's everything you need to know about this iconic sauce — its remarkable history, how it's made, where the ingredients come from, and the many wonderful ways you can use it.
A History Rooted in New York's Little Italy
The story of Rao's begins in 1896, when a small, unassuming restaurant opened its doors at 114th Street and Pleasant Avenue in East Harlem, New York City — a neighbourhood then known as Italian Harlem. Founded by Charles Rao, the restaurant quickly became a beloved fixture of the local Italian-American community, serving hearty, home-style Southern Italian cooking to generations of loyal guests.
For nearly a century, Rao's remained a tightly kept secret — a neighbourhood gem known only to those lucky enough to have a table. The restaurant became famously exclusive, with reservations booked out years in advance and regulars holding their tables like prized possessions. It was this mystique, combined with the extraordinary quality of the food, that eventually gave birth to the jarred sauce we know today.
In 1992, Rao's began bottling its legendary marinara sauce so that people across the country — and eventually the world — could enjoy a taste of that East Harlem kitchen. What started as a small operation quickly grew into a cult phenomenon. Food lovers, chefs, and celebrities alike declared it the finest jarred marinara on the market, and the brand's reputation has only grown stronger with time.
How Rao's Marinara Sauce Is Made
The secret to Rao's Marinara Sauce lies in its beautifully simple recipe and an unwavering commitment to quality ingredients. Unlike many commercial pasta sauces that are loaded with added sugars, artificial flavours, and preservatives, Rao's keeps things refreshingly clean and honest.
The sauce is made using a short list of premium ingredients: whole peeled Italian tomatoes, olive oil, onions, garlic, fresh basil, and a touch of seasoning. That's it. No fillers, no shortcuts, no compromise. The tomatoes are crushed by hand and slow-cooked to develop a naturally sweet, deeply savoury flavour that simply cannot be rushed. The result is a sauce with a thick, luxurious texture and a taste that genuinely rivals what you'd find simmering on a nonna's stovetop in Naples.
Every batch is crafted with the same care and attention to detail that has defined Rao's since its earliest days. The recipe has remained largely unchanged — a testament to the belief that when something is done right, there's no need to tinker with it.
How We Source Rao's Marinara Sauce
At FakhriShop.com, we are passionate about bringing premium, authentic food products to our customers — and Rao's Marinara Sauce is a perfect example of that commitment. We source our stock directly through trusted, authorised distributors to ensure that every jar you receive is genuine, fresh, and stored to the highest standards.
We stock the Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce in a convenient twin-pack of 2 x 790g jars, giving you excellent value and ensuring you always have this kitchen staple to hand. Whether you're stocking up your pantry or discovering Rao's for the first time, we make it easy to get your hands on one of the world's most celebrated pasta sauces, delivered straight to your door across the UK.
How to Use Rao's Marinara Sauce
The most obvious use for Rao's Marinara is, of course, as a pasta sauce — and it excels in this role. Simply warm it gently in a pan, toss with your favourite pasta, and finish with a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan. Whether you're using spaghetti, rigatoni, penne, or pappardelle, the sauce clings beautifully and delivers a restaurant-quality result in minutes.
But the beauty of Rao's Marinara is just how versatile it truly is. Here are some of the best ways to make the most of every jar:
- Pizza base: Spread it over your pizza dough for an authentic, flavour-packed base that beats any shop-bought pizza sauce hands down.
- Shakshuka: Use it as the tomato base for this Middle Eastern egg dish — simply heat the sauce, crack in your eggs, cover, and cook until set. Serve with crusty bread for a stunning brunch.
- Chicken or aubergine parmigiana: Layer the sauce over breaded, pan-fried chicken or aubergine slices, top with mozzarella, and bake until golden and bubbling.
- Meatball sub: Simmer your meatballs directly in the sauce, then pile them into a toasted hoagie roll with melted provolone for the ultimate comfort food sandwich.
- Lasagne: Use Rao's as the tomato layer in your lasagne for a depth of flavour that elevates the entire dish.
- Soup base: Stir a jar into chicken or vegetable stock with cannellini beans, spinach, and a Parmesan rind for a hearty Italian-style minestrone in under 30 minutes.
- Dipping sauce: Warm it up and serve alongside garlic bread, mozzarella sticks, or arancini as a crowd-pleasing dipping sauce at your next gathering.
- Stuffed peppers: Mix with cooked rice and minced meat, stuff into bell peppers, spoon more sauce over the top, and bake for a satisfying midweek dinner.
Why Rao's Stands Apart
In a market flooded with pasta sauces that promise the world and deliver very little, Rao's Homemade Marinara is the rare exception that genuinely lives up to its reputation. It contains no added sugar — a rarity among jarred sauces — which means the natural sweetness of the tomatoes shines through without any artificial boost. It's also gluten-free and keto-friendly, making it a brilliant choice for those with dietary requirements who still want to eat well.
The flavour is bold yet balanced — bright with tomato, fragrant with basil and garlic, and rounded out by the richness of good olive oil. It tastes like someone spent hours in the kitchen, even when you've done nothing more than open a jar.
Bring a Taste of East Harlem to Your Kitchen
Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce is more than just a condiment — it's a piece of culinary history, a connection to over a century of Italian-American cooking tradition, and quite simply one of the finest sauces you can keep in your pantry. Whether you're cooking a quick weeknight pasta or impressing guests with a slow-baked lasagne, Rao's will never let you down.
Shop our Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce 2 x 790g twin-pack today at FakhriShop.com and taste the difference that real ingredients and a genuine recipe make.