Best Homemade Marinara Sauce
Homemade marinara sauce is a simple and delicious recipe that every home cook should know. This classic Italian sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, and many other dishes. Making your own marinara sauce from scratch allows you to control the flavors and freshness, bringing a taste of Italy right to your kitchen.
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you consider making your own marinara sauce? First, it’s incredibly easy and quick to prepare. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can create a rich and flavorful sauce that beats any store-bought version. Plus, homemade marinara is free from preservatives and artificial flavors. It’s an affordable option that brings joy to your meals, giving you that homemade touch.
How to Make Best Homemade Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste into the saucepan.
- Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot with pasta and garnish with fresh basil.
How to Serve Best Homemade Marinara Sauce
The best way to serve marinara sauce is hot over your favorite pasta. You can also use it as a dip for garlic bread or as a topping for pizzas. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra pop of flavor and color. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your dishes!
How to Store Best Homemade Marinara Sauce
To store your marinara sauce, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce in individual portions. Just thaw it in the refrigerator when you’re ready to use it.
Tips to Make Best Homemade Marinara Sauce
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible to enhance the flavor.
- If you want a smoother sauce, blend it for a few seconds after cooking.
- Feel free to add other spices or vegetables for added flavor.
Variation
You can add heat to your marinara sauce by including red pepper flakes. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, use diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes. For a richer taste, try adding red wine while the sauce simmers.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just peel and chop them. You’ll need about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes to replace the two cans of crushed tomatoes.
2. How long can I store homemade marinara sauce?
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for several months.
3. Is marinara sauce gluten-free?
Yes, marinara sauce is gluten-free since it does not contain any wheat products. Always check your other ingredients if you are serving it to someone with gluten sensitivity, especially pasta.
Homemade Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Extra virgin is recommended.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (2 cans of 14 oz each) Use quality canned tomatoes.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon basil
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.
- as needed Fresh basil for garnish Optional garnish.
Instructions
Preparation and Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste into the saucepan.
- Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot with pasta and garnish with fresh basil.
