Homemade Marinara Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes
Introduction
Homemade marinara sauce is a delightful way to bring rich flavors to your meals. Made from fresh tomatoes and simple ingredients, this sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, and more. Making it from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and flavor, bringing a taste of Italy right into your kitchen.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make homemade marinara sauce. First, it’s simple and quick to prepare. Using fresh tomatoes gives the sauce a vibrant flavor that store-bought versions can’t match. Plus, you can adjust the seasonings to your liking and avoid preservatives found in packaged sauces. Homemade marinara is also a great way to use up those extra tomatoes from your garden or local farmers’ market.
How to Make Homemade Marinara Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes
To create a delicious marinara sauce, follow these easy steps.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh tomatoes, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried basil and oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh if you have it)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat lovers)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for extra richness)
Directions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent (about 3–5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more until fragrant.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
Add diced tomatoes and all seasonings. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
Step 3: Adjust Texture
For a smoother sauce, blend with an immersion blender in the pot or mash with a potato masher. If it’s too thin, stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste to thicken. Optional variations include adding fresh basil at the end or extra red pepper flakes for heat.
Serving ideas include tossing with pasta, spooning over pizza or meatballs, or serving with crusty bread. You can refrigerate or freeze leftovers as desired.
How to Serve Homemade Marinara Sauce
There are countless ways to serve homemade marinara sauce. Toss it with your favorite pasta for a classic dish, use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, or pour it over meatballs for a hearty dinner. It even works perfectly as a sauce for homemade pizzas. The possibilities are endless!
How to Store Homemade Marinara Sauce
To store your marinara sauce, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze it for up to six months. If freezing, consider portioning the sauce into smaller containers or freezer bags for easy use later.
Tips to Make Homemade Marinara Sauce
- Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. Look for tomatoes that are vine-ripened.
- Don’t rush the simmering process. Allow the sauce to cook slowly to deepen the flavors.
- Taste as you go! This will help you adjust the seasonings to suit your preference.
- Experiment with herbs. Fresh herbs add wonderful flavor, but dried ones also work well.
Variation
Feel free to customize your marinara sauce. You can add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and taste. If you like your marinara spicy, add more red pepper flakes or even a diced jalapeño.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned tomatoes can be a great alternative, especially in the off-season when fresh tomatoes aren’t available.
2. Is it necessary to peel the tomatoes?
Peeling is not necessary. The skins will break down during cooking, and the final sauce will be smooth.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure you have a large enough pot to accommodate the extra ingredients.
Now you have a simple and delicious recipe for homemade marinara sauce. Give it a try, and enjoy the fresh flavors in your favorite meals!
Homemade Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh tomatoes, diced Use ripe, vine-ripened tomatoes for best flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt Plus more to taste.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried basil and oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh, if available)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat lovers)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent (about 3–5 minutes).
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cooking
- Add diced tomatoes and all seasonings.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the flavors meld.
- Taste and adjust salt as needed.
Adjusting Texture
- For a smoother sauce, blend with an immersion blender in the pot or mash with a potato masher.
- If it’s too thin, stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste to thicken.
- Optional variations include adding fresh basil at the end or extra red pepper flakes for heat.
