Best Italian Marinara Sauce Recipe
Marinara sauce is a classic Italian sauce that can elevate any pasta dish. With its rich flavors of tomatoes, garlic, and basil, it’s a simple yet delightful recipe that everyone can enjoy. Making marinara sauce from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and flavors, resulting in a sauce that tastes fresh and homemade.
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you make your own marinara sauce? For starters, it’s incredibly easy and quick to prepare. Plus, this homemade version is healthier and more flavorful than store-bought sauces filled with preservatives. Using fresh ingredients gives you a sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, using it in a lasagna, or dipping garlic bread into it, this marinara sauce will impress your family and friends.
How to Make Best Italian Marinara Sauce
Making marinara sauce is straightforward. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious sauce ready in no time.
Ingredients
- 2 X 28 oz cans San Marzano Tomatoes
- 1/2 yellow onion (diced)
- 8 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 leaf bay
- 4 sprigs basil
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves (sliced or torn)
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or light olive oil)
- 1 pinch sea salt (or to your taste)
Directions
- Heat a heavy-bottomed large pot on medium-low flame.
- Add a lug of olive oil and the diced onion with a pinch of sea salt. Cook for about 10 minutes until translucent, making sure not to burn it.
- Stir in the minced garlic and let it infuse in the oil for about 30 seconds.
- Use your hands to crush the tomatoes as you add them to the pot with the onion and garlic. Aim for rustic chunks.
- Add the bay leaf and the 4 sprigs of basil, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. Partially cover with a lid and let it cook down until reduced and thick to your liking (about an hour or so). Stir occasionally to prevent the sugars from sticking to the bottom.
- After the sauce has reduced, season to taste with sea salt. Discard the bay leaf and basil sprigs.
- Finish with a drizzle of fine cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil and the reserved fresh basil. Serve with your favorite pasta or transfer to jars and refrigerate for up to one week.
How to Serve Best Italian Marinara Sauce
You can serve your marinara sauce over any type of pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine. It pairs wonderfully with meatballs, and you can even use it in dishes like eggplant parmesan or chicken parmesan. For a quick appetizer, serve the sauce warm with freshly baked garlic bread for dipping.
How to Store Best Italian Marinara Sauce
To store your marinara sauce, let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or jars. You can refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It can last up to three months in the freezer.
Tips to Make Best Italian Marinara Sauce
- Choose high-quality San Marzano tomatoes for a rich and authentic flavor.
- Don’t skip the onion and garlic they add depth to the sauce.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially the sea salt.
- Feel free to add red pepper flakes for some heat if you like spicy marinara.
Variation
You can customize your marinara sauce by adding other ingredients. Try incorporating olives, capers, or even some cooked ground meat for a heartier sauce. You can also add veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just make sure to peel them and adjust the cooking time as needed.Is marinara sauce vegan?
Yes, this marinara sauce is vegan and can be enjoyed by everyone.Can I make marinara sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Marinara sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer for later use.
Now you have a delicious and easy recipe for the Best Italian Marinara Sauce that you can enjoy anytime!
