Marinara Sauce

Meet the marinara sauce recipe of my dreams! I’ve always been intimidated by marinara, maybe because I love it so much that I was afraid of messing it up. I finally faced my fears and tried making marinara every which way. This version is my favorite, no contest.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade marinara sauce offers rich and lively tomato flavor. You’ll need only five basic pantry ingredients to make this delicious marinara sauce: good canned tomatoes, onion, garlic, dried oregano, and olive oil. That’s it!

This marinara is exceptionally easy to make, too, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights. You don’t even have to chop the onion and garlic. Yep, that’s right—just crank open a can of tomatoes, halve an onion, and peel some garlic. You’re ready to go!

This sauce offers lovely, authentic Italian flavor after a 45-minute simmer. I tried to take shortcuts to make it even faster, but no amount of tomato paste, spices, salt, or sugar will make up for lost time.

Bottom line: It’s impossible to achieve enchanting, long-simmered marinara flavor in under 45 minutes. So throw those ingredients in a pot, pour yourself a glass of wine and boil water for pasta. Dinner is almost ready.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large sauté pan
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring spoons
• Can opener (if using canned tomatoes)

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 6 garlic cloves, peeled and slivered (or minced)
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes or 1.75 lbs. fresh roma tomatoes (**see below for instructions on using fresh roma tomatoes)
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or a pinch of cayenne)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large sprig of fresh basil

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
3. Add in the tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, oregano, and black pepper, and stir to combine.
4. Add the sprig of fresh basil on top of the sauce, and use a spoon to gently press it below the surface.
5. Continue cooking until the sauce reaches a simmer. Then reduce heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the oil on the surface is a deep orange. It will be reduced and thickened.
6. Discard the sprig of basil, and season the sauce with additional salt and pepper if needed.
7. Remove from heat and serve immediately, or store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Or freeze for up to 3 months.

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Be patient with the simmering time to allow the flavors to fully develop.
• Smash the garlic cloves against the side of the pan at the end for a deeper flavor.

Additional Tips or Variations

For a spicier sauce, increase the amount of red pepper flakes. You can also try adding a splash of red wine for extra depth of flavor.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, just follow the instructions for using fresh roma tomatoes.

How long can I store the sauce? It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

There you have it—a simple yet irresistible marinara sauce that’s ready to elevate your meals. I hope you give this recipe a try and fall in love with it as much as I have. Don’t forget to share your experiences and any tweaks you made in the comments below. Happy cooking!