Description
This Homemade Marinara Sauce is a classic Italian tomato sauce made with fresh onions, garlic, and a blend of herbs simmered to perfection on the stovetop. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping. The sauce can be customized in texture and freezes well for convenient use.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinara Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Pour the olive oil into a large saucepan and warm it over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
- Sauté onions: Add the finely chopped onions and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until they become soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, keeping it moving constantly to avoid burning and to release its flavor.
- Add tomato paste: Mix in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen its flavor, stirring continuously to blend it evenly.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir the sauce occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce and add a pinch of sugar if it tastes too acidic. Stir to incorporate and balance the flavors.
- Finish and garnish: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the fresh chopped parsley or basil for a fresh, vibrant finish before serving.
Notes
- The sauce can be blended with an immersion blender or in a regular blender to achieve a smoother texture, or left chunky if preferred.
- This marinara freezes well in an airtight container for up to 3 months and keeps in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Ideal for serving with pasta, as a pizza base sauce, or as a flavorful dipping sauce for breadsticks or appetizers.
