Best Homemade Marinara Sauce
Homemade marinara sauce is a classic Italian staple that adds flavor and warmth to many dishes. It’s easy to make and requires only a few simple ingredients. This recipe will help you create a rich and delicious sauce that you can enjoy with pasta, pizza, and more.
Why Make This Recipe
Making your own marinara sauce allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking. With fresh garlic, sweet onions, and high-quality tomatoes, this sauce is far better than store-bought varieties. Plus, preparing it at home is cost-effective and gives you the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch.
How to Make Best Homemade Marinara Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Directions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the canned tomatoes with their juice. Use a spoon to break them up.
- Stir in oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve the marinara sauce with pasta or your choice of dish, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
How to Serve Best Homemade Marinara Sauce
You can serve marinara sauce in many ways. It’s perfect over freshly cooked pasta like spaghetti or penne. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or a base for pizza. Garnish with fresh basil leaves to enhance the flavor and presentation.
How to Store Best Homemade Marinara Sauce
After making the sauce, let it cool completely. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, the marinara sauce freezes well. Place it in freezer-safe containers, and it will last for up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Best Homemade Marinara Sauce
- Always use ripe and high-quality tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Tweak the seasoning to match your taste preferences. Add more oregano or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- If you want a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend it to your desired consistency.
Variation
You can easily customize this marinara sauce. For a meat sauce, brown some ground beef or sausage before adding the onions. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. You will need about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and chop them before adding to the sauce.
2. Is marinara sauce gluten-free?
Yes, marinara sauce is gluten-free since the ingredients do not contain gluten. However, always check the labels of canned tomatoes for any additives.
3. Can I make marinara sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Marinara sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer. It often tastes even better after the flavors have melded for a day or two.
Homemade Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the canned tomatoes with their juice. Use a spoon to break them up.
- Stir in oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve the marinara sauce with pasta or your choice of dish, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
