The smell of simmering marinara sauce is so magical that it transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where love bubbled in tomatoes and fresh basil.
She would hum to herself while stirring the pot, tasting here and there, so as to get just the right balance of tangy and sweet.
This homemade marinara sauce recipe has become an enduring staple, heartbreakingly conjuring memories of those moments. Now, it’s your turn to create such moments and tastes that last a lifetime.
Let’s get into it and bring some Italian flavor to your dinner table-even without needing any pretty paraphernalia!
Step-By-Step Guide To The Best Homemade Marinara Sauce
This easy Homemade Marinara Sauce recipe is perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping breadsticks. It’s bursting with tomato flavor, balanced with garlic, herbs, and olive oil for that authentic Italian touch.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Sauce
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Yield: About 4 cups
- Calories: 120 per ½ cup serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) San Marzano crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 handful of fresh basil leaves or 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Sauté The Aromatics
Put the olive oil in a large saucepan and heat it on medium. Add the chopped onion and cook it for about 5 minutes or until it is translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute: Just until it is fragrant (spare it from being burned!).
2. Add Tomatoes And Seasonings
Now pour in the crushed tomatoes of San Marzano and add in or-ganic dried oregano, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, and sugar, if using. Reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently.
3. Simmer Until Tender
The uncovered sauce is to simmer for approximately 25 to 30 minutes while stirring occasionally. The flavors will integrate nicely, and the sauce should become quite rich and thick.
4. Finish With Fresh Herbs
Just before removing the sauce from the heat, stir in some fresh basil or parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
5. Serve Or Store
Use it immediately over your favorite pasta, as a sauce base for a pizza, or as a dip. Once completely cooled, place leftovers in an airtight container.
Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
Why Is My Homemade Marinara Sauce Bitter?
Bitter flavors can come from overcooked garlic or acidic tomatoes. Use San Marzano tomatoes for their naturally sweet flavor, and add a pinch of sugar if needed.
What Makes Marinara Sauce Taste Good?
The secret lies in fresh ingredients, like extra virgin olive oil, high-quality crushed tomatoes, and fresh basil. Simmering the sauce gently allows the flavors to blend without overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Pairing: Toss with spaghetti or penne.
- As a Base: Use it for lasagna or baked ziti.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve warm with garlic bread or mozzarella sticks.
What Is the Difference Between Marinara And Spaghetti Sauce?
Marinara sauce is a light, simple tomato sauce made with minimal ingredients like garlic, tomatoes, and herbs. Spaghetti sauce often includes additional ingredients like meat or vegetables, making it heartier.
FAQs
Can I Freeze Homemade Marinara Sauce?
Absolutely! Cool the sauce completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
Can I Make This Recipe With Fresh Tomatoes?
Yes! Use about 2 pounds of peeled and chopped fresh tomatoes. Simmer longer to achieve the same thickness.
What’s The Best Way To Store Leftovers?
Store in the refrigerator, well-sealed in an airtight container, for a maximum of 5 days. Also, reheat it mildly over the burner or microwave.
Is This Sauce Gluten-Free?
Yes, this Homemade Marinara Sauce is naturally gluten-free!
Closing Thoughts
Making this Homemade Marinara Sauce is very close to making a miniature little piece of Italy in your kitchen. Let me know how it works out for you in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this recipe, check out my other Italian-inspired dishes for more mealtime magic. Buon appetito!
Homemade Marinara Sauce: Simple, Fresh, And Tasty
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 28 oz San Marzano crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional, to balance acidity
- 1 handful of fresh basil leaves or 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
Sauté The Aromatics
- Put the olive oil in a large saucepan and heat it on medium. Add the chopped onion and cook it for about 5 minutes or until it is translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute: Just until it is fragrant (spare it from being burned!).
Add Tomatoes And Seasonings
- Now pour in the crushed tomatoes of San Marzano and add in or-ganic dried oregano, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, and sugar, if using. Reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently.
Simmer Until Tender
- The uncovered sauce is to simmer for approximately 25 to 30 minutes while stirring occasionally. The flavors will integrate nicely, and the sauce should become quite rich and thick.
Finish With Fresh Herbs
- Just before removing the sauce from the heat, stir in some fresh basil or parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Serve Or Store
- Use it immediately over your favorite pasta, as a sauce base for a pizza, or as a dip. Once completely cooled, place leftovers in an airtight container.
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