Homemade Marinara Sauce
Homemade Marinara Sauce is a simple and flavorful sauce that brings the taste of Italy right to your kitchen. It’s perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping breadsticks. Making your own sauce lets you control the flavors and freshness, creating a delicious dish that your family will love.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Homemade Marinara Sauce. First, it’s made from fresh ingredients, which means it tastes better than store-bought sauces. You can adjust the seasonings to fit your taste, and it’s a great way to use up fresh tomatoes when they are in season. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepared in under an hour!
How to Make Homemade Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh Roma tomatoes (or San Marzano)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Directions
- Start by preparing the ingredients. Wash and quarter the tomatoes, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
- In a large pot over medium heat, add the extra virgin olive oil. Sauté the onions until they become translucent, which will take about 5 minutes.
- Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Stir it for about a minute until it becomes fragrant.
- Now, add the quartered tomatoes along with the salt and pepper. Stir everything well and let the mixture simmer for 20 to 30 minutes until it thickens.
- Once thickened, blend the sauce using either an immersion blender or a regular blender until it is smooth.
- Return the sauce to low heat, stir in the fresh basil, and let it simmer for another 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Homemade Marinara Sauce
Homemade Marinara Sauce is versatile. You can serve it over pasta, use it as a pizza sauce, or enjoy it as a dip with breadsticks. It’s great for pasta dishes like spaghetti or penne and pairs well with meatballs or grilled vegetables.
How to Store Homemade Marinara Sauce
You can store any leftover Marinara Sauce in the refrigerator. Place it in an airtight container where it will stay fresh for about 4-5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Pour the sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it can last for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Homemade Marinara Sauce
- For a richer flavor, use San Marzano tomatoes, which are sweeter and less acidic.
- Feel free to add red pepper flakes for some heat or more herbs like oregano and thyme.
- If you want a chunkier sauce, blend it less or leave some tomato pieces intact.
Variation
You can customize your Homemade Marinara Sauce by adding other ingredients. Consider adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a splash of red wine for extra depth of flavor.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes! Canned tomatoes can be a great alternative if fresh tomatoes are not available. Just use about 2 cans of whole or crushed tomatoes for this recipe.
Is it necessary to blend the sauce?
Blending is not necessary, but it gives the sauce a smooth texture. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, feel free to skip this step.
Can I make Marinara Sauce without onions?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of onions or if you have allergies, you can simply leave them out. The sauce will still be delicious!
Homemade Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh Roma tomatoes (or San Marzano) Use fresh tomatoes for best flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped Add at the end of cooking for freshness.
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash and quarter the tomatoes, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
Cooking
- In a large pot over medium heat, add the extra virgin olive oil. Sauté the onions until they become translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and stir for about a minute until it becomes fragrant.
- Add the quartered tomatoes along with the salt and pepper. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 20 to 30 minutes until it thickens.
- Blend the sauce using an immersion blender or a regular blender until smooth.
- Return the sauce to low heat, stir in the fresh basil, and let it simmer for another 5 minutes before serving.
