Homemade Marinara Sauce
This homemade marinara sauce brings the authentic flavors of Italy to your kitchen, with simple ingredients like ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and aromatic garlic. It’s an easy, quick way to elevate any pasta dish.
The combination of San Marzano tomatoes and a touch of fresh basil creates a rich, robust sauce that’s perfect for spaghetti, lasagna, or even dipping breadsticks. It’s a versatile recipe that adds depth to any meal.
Forget store-bought versions. This marinara sauce can be whipped up in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Homemade Marinara Sauce: Ingredients
Olive oil provides a smooth base, enriching the sauce with a subtle, fruity flavor. Fresh onion adds depth and sweetness, while garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth. San Marzano tomatoes offer a rich, slightly tangy taste, making the sauce truly exceptional.
Dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes bring balance and just the right amount of heat, enhancing the sauce’s savory notes. Fresh basil lends its aromatic, herbal touch, infusing the sauce with a fragrant finish, rounding out the classic Italian flavor profile.
Homemade Marinara Sauce: A Flavorful, Fresh Classic
Homemade marinara sauce is a kitchen staple, combining the best of fresh, wholesome ingredients into a quick and flavorful sauce. Made with San Marzano tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and aromatic basil, this marinara sauce is far superior to any store-bought version. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or even as a dipping sauce, this recipe brings the taste of Italy to your table in just a matter of minutes.
Recipe Tips
- Choose the Right Tomatoes
The key to a vibrant marinara sauce is in the tomatoes. San Marzano tomatoes, known for their sweet, slightly tangy taste, provide the perfect base for this sauce. Look for canned tomatoes with the “D.O.P.” label to ensure you’re getting authentic, high-quality San Marzano varieties. Their natural sweetness balances out the garlic and basil, giving the sauce an irresistible depth of flavor. - Adjust Consistency to Your Preference
This recipe gives you a chunky sauce, but if you prefer a smoother texture, feel free to puree part or all of it in a blender after cooking. If you opt for a smoother sauce, start blending small batches and adjust the texture to your liking. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer until it reaches your desired consistency. - Don’t Skip the Fresh Basil
Fresh basil is the star herb in this marinara, adding a fragrant finish that perfectly complements the tomatoes. For the best results, add whole basil sprigs early in the cooking process to infuse the sauce with its essential oils. Once the sauce has finished cooking, remove the sprigs to avoid any bitterness. The fresh basil will provide a subtle herbal note that elevates the sauce to a whole new level.
What to Serve with Homemade Marinara Sauce
- Classic Spaghetti
There’s no better way to enjoy homemade marinara than with a classic plate of spaghetti. The rich, tomato-based sauce coats each strand of pasta perfectly, creating a simple yet satisfying meal. Top it off with a sprinkle of Parmesan or a few fresh basil leaves for added flavor. - Homemade Pizza
Marinara sauce makes a fantastic pizza base. Spread a thin layer on your pizza dough and add your favorite toppings, like fresh mozzarella, pepperoni, or vegetables. The freshness of the sauce will add a burst of flavor, complementing the cheese and toppings for an unforgettable homemade pizza. - Garlic Bread
A side of freshly baked garlic bread is the ideal accompaniment to marinara sauce. The crispy, buttery bread serves as the perfect vessel for scooping up extra sauce, making it a delightful addition to any meal. Whether served with pasta or pizza, garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser.
FAQ
1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes for canned San Marzano tomatoes. However, using canned tomatoes provides a more consistent, rich flavor, especially when using high-quality San Marzanos. If using fresh, peel and chop them, and adjust the cooking time to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
2. Can I freeze homemade marinara sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade marinara sauce freezes well and can be stored for up to two months. Allow the sauce to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove when ready to serve.
3. Can I make this sauce in advance?
Yes, marinara sauce can be made ahead of time. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days, allowing you to prepare it in advance for busy weeknights. The flavors actually improve after sitting for a day or two, making it an even better option for meal prepping.
4. Can I make the sauce spicier?
If you like your marinara with an extra kick, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch more and taste as it cooks. You can always add more heat, but you can’t take it away once it’s in the sauce!
Homemade Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- 1/3 cup finely diced onion
- 2 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 28 ounces of whole San Marzano tomatoes crushed or chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 sprigs fresh basil
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Incorporate the San Marzano tomatoes, along with their juices, oregano, red pepper flakes (if desired), salt, pepper, fresh basil, and a quarter cup of water.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat and continue to cook for about 20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.
- Remove and discard the basil sprigs. The resulting sauce will be chunky. For a smoother consistency, blend some or all of the sauce in a blender. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to four days.
- Notes
- For optimal flavor, choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil and Italian canned tomatoes. San Marzano tomatoes, known for their unique sweetness and texture, are highly recommended. Look for tomatoes with the “D.O.P.” label, which ensures authenticity.
- This sauce remains fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days and can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw frozen sauce in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove until warmed through.
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