Marinara Sauce

This marinara sauce is a classic Italian staple that enhances the flavor of countless dishes. With its rich tomato base, fragrant herbs, and a hint of sweetness, it’s the perfect sauce for pasta, pizza, or even as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. Making your own marinara sauce at home is not only easy but also allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring freshness and reducing any preservatives found in store-bought versions. In just a short time, you can whip up this delicious sauce that the whole family will love!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 150
• Protein: 3 grams
• Carbohydrates: 17 grams
• Fat: 7 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Sugar: 4 grams
• Sodium: 380 mg

Why Make This Marinara Sauce

Making your own marinara sauce is a rewarding experience that elevates your cooking. It offers a wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen and creates anticipation for a delicious meal. Plus, this sauce is incredibly versatile; you can use it not only for pasta but also for pizzas, lasagna, or as a dipping sauce for fresh bread. By preparing it at home, you can adjust the flavors to suit your taste, whether you prefer it sweeter, spicier, or more herbaceous. Plus, it’s a great way to use fresh ingredients that can enhance not only the flavor but the nutritional quality of your meals.

How to Make Marinara Sauce

## Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)

## Directions:

• Step 1: Preparation

  In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. This will form a flavorful base for your sauce.

• Step 2: Sautéing

  Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic as it will turn bitter.

• Step 3: Mixing

  Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil. This combination will create the heart of your marinara sauce.

• Step 4: Cooking

  Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

• Step 5: Finishing

  Adjust the seasoning if needed. Taste your sauce and tweak salt or sugar according to your preference. Serve over pasta or use it as a pizza sauce, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

How to Serve Marinara Sauce

Marinara sauce pairs wonderfully with spaghetti, penne, or any pasta of your choice. You can also use it as a pizza sauce topped with your favorite cheeses and toppings. For a fun twist, serve it as a dipping sauce for crispy breadsticks or mozzarella sticks. No matter how you serve it, this marinara sauce will enhance the flavor and excitement of your meal.

How to Store Marinara Sauce

If you have leftovers, let the marinara sauce cool completely before storing. Transfer it into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in small portions. Marinara sauce freezes well and can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.

Expert Tips for Perfect Marinara Sauce

• Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest garlic and high-quality olives oil for better flavor.
• Herb Freshness: If you have fresh herbs, feel free to substitute the dried oregano and basil with fresh versions for an even brighter taste.
• Taste as You Go: Always taste your sauce as it simmers and adjust the seasonings to ensure the best flavor.
• Storage: Label and date your containers when storing. This will help you keep track of freshness.
• Add Some Heat: If you love spicy food, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when you’re mixing in the tomatoes.

Delicious Variations

• Spicy Marinara: Add red chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• Veggie-Loaded Marinara: Toss in sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms when sautéing the garlic for added texture and flavor.
• Meat Sauce: Brown some ground beef or Italian sausage after sautéing the garlic and mix it with the tomatoes.
• Roasted Garlic Marinara: Roast the garlic in the olive oil before mincing it for a sweeter, mellower garlic flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
  Yes, using fresh tomatoes is a great option. Use about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes, blanched and peeled, and chop them before adding to the sauce.

• Can I make this sauce vegan?
  Absolutely! This sauce is naturally vegan and does not require any non-vegan ingredients.

• How do I thicken my marinara sauce?
  Simmer the sauce uncovered to allow excess moisture to evaporate. Alternatively, whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water as it cooks.

• What can I do if my sauce is too acidic?
  A pinch of sugar usually helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes. You can also add a small amount of cream for a richer flavor.

• How can I enhance the flavor of my marinara sauce?
  Consider adding a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar while it simmers for depth of flavor. Fresh herbs added just before serving can also lift the taste.

Conclusion

This homemade marinara sauce recipe is simple yet packed with flavor, making it a must-try for anyone who loves Italian cuisine. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can create a delightful sauce that is perfect for a variety of dishes. Enjoy this warm and inviting marinara sauce, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your own twists and additions. Happy cooking!

Classic Marinara Sauce

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• Author: mia-harper
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

A classic Italian marinara sauce made with tomatoes and fragrant herbs, perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce.

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Ingredients

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• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Adjust seasoning if needed, then serve over pasta or use as a pizza sauce, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes while mixing the tomatoes. Use fresh herbs for a brighter flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 380mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg