Why Make This Recipe
Making your own marinara sauce is easy and rewarding. This recipe gives you a fresh, flavorful sauce without all the extra sugars and preservatives often found in store-bought versions. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner and pairs well with pasta, pizza, or as a dip. Plus, you’ll enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen as the sauce simmers.
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:
- Wash the fresh tomatoes under cool running water, remove the stems, and cut them into quarters. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chopped tomatoes and stir to combine.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine.
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the fresh basil leaves and let simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Blend for a smoother texture if desired.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce
You can serve this marinara sauce over your favorite pasta, spread it on pizza for a homemade touch, or use it as a dipping sauce with breadsticks. It also works well in lasagna or as a base for any dish that needs a tasty tomato sauce.
How to Store Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce
Let the sauce cool completely before storing. You can keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze it for up to three months.
Tips to Make Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the simmering step; it helps develop the flavors.
- Feel free to adjust the garlic and spices to your taste.
- If you want a smoother sauce, blend it before serving!
Variation
For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of red wine while the sauce simmers. You can also include additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for an extra flavor boost.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes! If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use canned whole tomatoes. Just crush them before adding to the sauce.
Can I make this sauce in advance?
Absolutely! This sauce tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time.
Is it possible to make this sauce spicy?
Yes! If you enjoy some heat, add more red pepper flakes or even a diced jalapeño while sautéing the onions.
Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh, flavorful marinara sauce that is easy to make and free from added sugars and preservatives.
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- Wash the fresh tomatoes under cool running water, remove the stems, and cut them into quarters. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chopped tomatoes and stir to combine.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine.
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the fresh basil leaves and let simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Blend for a smoother texture if desired.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. Don’t skip the simmering step to develop rich flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian