Description
This homemade marinara sauce is a classic Italian tomato sauce made from scratch using simple, fresh ingredients. It features sautéed onions and garlic, crushed San Marzano tomatoes, and a blend of herbs simmered to perfection to create a rich, flavorful base perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinara Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves Fresh Garlic, finely minced
- 28 ounces canned San Marzano Tomatoes, crushed
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- Handful of Fresh Basil Leaves
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid browning, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Pour in the crushed San Marzano tomatoes. Stir in the dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Combine all ingredients well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer to Perfect Thickness: Let the sauce simmer gently for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This simmering process allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency. Add the fresh basil during the last few minutes of simmering to retain its bright, herbal flavor.
- Final Taste and Adjustments: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add a pinch more salt, a sprinkle of sugar to balance the acidity, or extra red pepper flakes for additional heat. Stir well and cook for another minute before serving.
Notes
- Use San Marzano tomatoes for an authentic and naturally sweet flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder sauce.
- For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend after simmering.
- Fresh basil should be added at the end to preserve its vibrant flavor.
- This sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
