Why You’ll Love This
Classic Marinara Sauce from scratch is a simple, flavorful tomato sauce that forms the foundation of many Italian dishes. Made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs, this sauce is rich, aromatic, and naturally vibrant. It’s incredibly versatile—perfect for pasta, pizza, meatballs, or dipping bread—and much fresher than store-bought versions. Best of all, it uses just a handful of ingredients and comes together in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
● 2 tablespoons olive oil
● 4 cloves garlic, minced
● 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional but recommended)
● 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes or whole peeled tomatoes
● 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
● ½ teaspoon black pepper
● 1 teaspoon dried oregano
● ½ teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil)
● ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
● 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
● ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
● 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation Instructions
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Heat the Olive Oil
In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. -
Sauté the Garlic and Onion
Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently until fragrant. -
Add Tomato Paste (Optional)
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor. -
Add the Tomatoes
Pour in the crushed tomatoes (or whole tomatoes crushed by hand). Stir well to combine. -
Season the Sauce
Add salt, pepper, oregano, basil, sugar (if using), and red pepper flakes. -
Simmer the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors develop and the sauce thicken. -
Adjust the Flavor
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, herbs, or a small pinch of sugar if the tomatoes taste too acidic. -
Finish with Fresh Basil
Stir in chopped fresh basil just before serving.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
● Medium saucepan
● Wooden spoon or spatula
● Cutting board
● Sharp knife
● Measuring cups and spoons
● Can opener (if using canned tomatoes)
Tips
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Use High-Quality Tomatoes: San Marzano tomatoes are excellent for marinara due to their natural sweetness.
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Simmer Longer for Deeper Flavor: If you have time, simmer the sauce for up to 45 minutes.
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Blend for Smooth Sauce: Use an immersion blender if you prefer a smoother texture.
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Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and parsley brighten the flavor significantly.
Serving Suggestions
Marinara sauce works wonderfully with:
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Spaghetti or any pasta
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Homemade pizza
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Meatballs
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Chicken Parmesan
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Mozzarella sticks or breadsticks
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Lasagna or baked ziti
It can also be used as a base for many Italian sauces and dishes.
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer:
Freeze marinara sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
FAQs
1. Can I make marinara sauce with fresh tomatoes?
Yes. Use about 2½–3 pounds of fresh tomatoes, peeled and crushed, instead of canned tomatoes.
2. Why add sugar to marinara sauce?
A small amount of sugar helps balance the natural acidity of tomatoes, especially if they are very tart.
3. Can I add vegetables to marinara?
Absolutely. Carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms can add sweetness and extra flavor.
Conclusion
Classic Marinara Sauce from scratch is a timeless recipe that’s simple, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a rich homemade sauce that elevates countless dishes. Once you try making marinara at home, it may quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving – ½ cup)
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Calories: 90
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Protein: 2 g
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Fat: 5 g
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Carbohydrates: 10 g
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Fiber: 2 g
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Sugar: 6 g
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Sodium: 320 mg
