Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe
Homemade marinara sauce is a kitchen staple that can elevate your meals to a whole new level. This classic Italian sauce is simple to make and packed with flavor, making it perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce. Let’s explore how to create this delicious sauce from scratch!
Why Make This Recipe
There are several reasons to make your own marinara sauce. First, it tastes much better than store-bought versions. You have control over the ingredients, and you can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying to create this rich and hearty sauce in your own kitchen. Making marinara sauce at home is not only fun, but it is also a great way to impress your family and friends with your cooking skills.
How to Make Homemade Marinara Sauce
Making homemade marinara sauce is quick and easy. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a flavorful sauce that will complement many dishes.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion
- 5 cloves garlic, crushed
- 8 cups chunked tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 small bunch of fresh basil, chopped
- 1 small bunch of flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped
Directions:
- Add olive oil to a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Chop the onions and add them to the pan. Cook until they become translucent.
- Add the crushed garlic and cook for one minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add the chunked tomatoes, peel included, and a pinch of salt; stir well.
- Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 15 minutes. Covering helps the tomatoes break down faster.
- Uncover the pot and cook on low heat for about an hour, stirring occasionally.
- Carefully use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth.
- Add the chopped parsley and basil, and blend again for a bit.
- Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Use the sauce immediately, or refrigerate or freeze for later.
How to Serve Homemade Marinara Sauce
Homemade marinara sauce is incredibly versatile. You can serve it over your favorite pasta like spaghetti or penne, use it as a base for pizza, or even enjoy it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or mozzarella sticks. The possibilities are endless!
How to Store Homemade Marinara Sauce
To store your marinara sauce, let it cool completely first. Then, you can transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to three months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Homemade Marinara Sauce
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. If out of season, canned tomatoes can work well.
- Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices according to your preference.
- If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the sauce to a regular blender.
- For a smoother sauce, you can strain out any larger chunks after blending.
Variation
You can easily enhance this marinara sauce by adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots for additional flavor and texture. For a heartier sauce, consider browning some ground beef or turkey before cooking the onions.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned tomatoes for this sauce?
Yes, canned tomatoes work great! Use whole peeled tomatoes or crushed tomatoes for a quick option.
2. How can I make this sauce less spicy?
Simply reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes, or omit them altogether if you prefer a milder sauce.
3. How long can I keep this sauce in the fridge?
Homemade marinara sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight container.
Try making this homemade marinara sauce today, and enjoy the wonderful flavors it brings to your meals!
Homemade Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
For the sauce
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil Used for sauteing.
- 1 small yellow onion Chopped.
- 5 cloves garlic, crushed Add flavor.
- 8 cups chunked tomatoes Use fresh or canned.
- to taste salt and pepper For seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Adjust for spice level.
- 1 small bunch fresh basil, chopped For freshness.
- 1 small bunch flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped For garnish and flavor.
Instructions
Cooking
- Add olive oil to a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Chop the onions and add them to the pan. Cook until they become translucent.
- Add the crushed garlic and cook for one minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add the chunked tomatoes, peel included, and a pinch of salt; stir well.
- Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Uncover the pot and cook on low heat for about an hour, stirring occasionally.
- Carefully use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth.
- Add the chopped parsley and basil, and blend again for a bit.
- Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
