Classic Marinara Sauce
Classic Marinara Sauce is a simple yet delicious sauce that brings the taste of Italy to your kitchen. This sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, or even as a dipping sauce. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can create a flavorful marinara sauce that your whole family will love.
Why Make This Recipe
Making your own marinara sauce at home is easy and rewarding. You control the ingredients, ensuring freshness and flavor. Plus, it is much healthier than store-bought options, which often contain preservatives. This recipe is also versatile and can be used in many dishes, making it a great addition to your cooking repertoire.
How to Make Classic Marinara Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Directions:
- In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil.
- Serve with your favorite pasta.
How to Serve Classic Marinara Sauce
You can serve Classic Marinara Sauce with any type of pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine. It also works well as a topping for pizza or as a base for lasagna. Just ladle it over the cooked pasta or dish of your choice, and enjoy!
How to Store Classic Marinara Sauce
If you have leftover sauce, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Tips to Make Classic Marinara Sauce
- For a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
- If you prefer a chunkier sauce, use diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes.
- Always taste your sauce before serving, and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Variation
Feel free to customize your marinara sauce. You can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives. You might also add ground meat for a heartier sauce, or mix in grated Parmesan for added richness.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. You will need about 2-3 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes, peel them, and then crush them before adding to the sauce.
2. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Marinara sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for a quick meal on busy days.
3. How long does marinara sauce last in the fridge?
Homemade marinara sauce will last for up to a week in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.
Classic Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- to taste Salt and pepper
- to garnish Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil.
Serving
- Serve with your favorite pasta, as a topping for pizza, or as a base for lasagna.
