Marinara Sauce Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a delicious, homemade marinara sauce. Whether you’re topping pasta, layering lasagna, or simply dipping breadsticks, this versatile sauce is a staple in any kitchen. In this blog post, I’ll share a classic marinara sauce recipe that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics

• Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

1. Add the Tomatoes

• Add the whole peeled tomatoes and crushed tomatoes to the saucepan. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can crush the whole tomatoes with your hands or use an immersion blender.

1. Incorporate Tomato Paste and Seasonings

• Stir in the tomato paste, sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). These seasonings will enhance the sauce’s depth of flavor.

1. Simmer the Sauce

• Add the bay leaf and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

1. Finishing Touches

• Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove the bay leaf and discard it. Stir in the fresh basil leaves and parsley for a burst of fresh flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

1. Serve and Enjoy

• Your homemade marinara sauce is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it over your favorite pasta, use it as a base for pizza, or incorporate it into any dish that calls for marinara sauce.

Tips for the Best Marinara Sauce:

• Quality Tomatoes: Using high-quality canned tomatoes, such as San Marzano, can make a significant difference in the flavor of your sauce.
• Low and Slow: Allowing the sauce to simmer slowly lets the flavors develop and creates a richer, more robust sauce.
• Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference. If you like a spicier sauce, add more red pepper flakes. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of sugar slightly.
• Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work well in this recipe, adding fresh basil and parsley at the end brightens the sauce and adds a fresh, vibrant flavor.

Storage and Freezing:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Marinara sauce freezes beautifully. Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To use, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Making your own marinara sauce is a simple yet rewarding culinary endeavor. With just a handful of ingredients and a little time, you can create a sauce that’s far superior to store-bought versions. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of homemade marinara sauce in your favorite Italian dishes!