Homemade Marinara Sauce

Why Make This Recipe

Making your own marinara sauce is a rewarding and simple way to elevate your weeknight dinners. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can create a flavorful and vibrant sauce that tastes far better than store-bought options. It’s also a great way to use up ripe tomatoes when they are in season. Plus, making this sauce at home allows you to control the flavors and spices, tailoring it to your family’s taste preferences.

How to Make Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Fresh Tomatoes (Roma or San Marzano) (Ripe tomatoes for the base of the sauce.)
• 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (For sautéing the aromatics.)
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced (Adds aromatic quality to the sauce.)
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped (Adds sweetness and depth.)
• 1 handful Fresh Basil leaves, roughly torn (Adds aromatic freshness.)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (Enhances flavors.)
• to taste Black Pepper, freshly ground (Adds spice and complexity.)
• a pinch Red Pepper Flakes (Optional for heat.)

Directions

1. Wash the fresh tomatoes under cool running water, remove the stems, and cut them into quarters. Set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
3. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until translucent.
4. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and stir to combine.
6. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine.
7. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Stir in the fresh basil leaves and let simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Blend for a smoother texture if desired.
10. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce

This marinara sauce is very versatile. You can serve it over pasta, use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, or pour it over a pizza for a delicious homemade pie. It also pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables and meat dishes for a hearty meal.

How to Store Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce

To store your marinara sauce, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in individual portions. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce

• Choose the ripest tomatoes you can find for the best flavor.
• Don’t skip the fresh basil; it adds a lovely aroma and freshness to the sauce.
• For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer, or blend it for a smoother texture.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.

Variation

For a different twist, you can add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives to the sauce for added flavor and texture. This way, you can customize the sauce to suit your tastes!

FAQs

1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned whole or diced tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t available. Just adjust the cooking time since canned tomatoes are already soft.

2. Is it necessary to peel the tomatoes before making sauce?
No, it is not necessary to peel the tomatoes. The skins will break down during cooking, and you won’t notice them in the finished sauce.

3. How can I make this sauce vegetarian or vegan-friendly?
This recipe is already vegetarian and vegan-friendly! Just make sure your ingredients don’t have any animal products.

Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce

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A simple and rewarding recipe for a flavorful homemade marinara sauce that beats store-bought options.

• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds Fresh Tomatoes (Roma or San Marzano)
• 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 1 handful Fresh Basil leaves, roughly torn
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• to taste Black Pepper, freshly ground
• a pinch Red Pepper Flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Wash the fresh tomatoes under cool running water, remove the stems, and cut them into quarters. Set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
3. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until translucent.
4. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and stir to combine.
6. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine.
7. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Stir in the fresh basil leaves and let simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Blend for a smoother texture if desired.
10. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Choose the ripest tomatoes for best flavor. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer or blend it for a smoother texture.

• Author: nevaeh-hall
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg