Homemade Marinara Sauce
Introduction
Homemade marinara sauce is a classic Italian recipe that brings a burst of flavor to many dishes. It is a simple sauce made with fresh ingredients that can elevate your meals. Whether you’re making pasta, pizza, or meatballs, this marinara sauce is versatile and delicious.
Why Make This Recipe
Making your own marinara sauce at home is rewarding and straightforward. You can control the ingredients, ensuring a fresh and tasty result without any preservatives. Plus, it is often more affordable than store-bought versions. With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious sauce that enhances any dish.
How to Make Homemade Marinara Sauce
Ingredients:
- Canned or fresh tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Onion
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Basil
- Oregano
- Sugar (optional)
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and sugar.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve with pasta, meatballs, or as a pizza sauce.
How to Serve Homemade Marinara Sauce
Homemade marinara sauce is perfect for pairing with various dishes. You can toss it with your favorite pasta, use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, or pour it over meatballs for a hearty meal. It can also be used as a delicious pizza sauce for a homemade pizza night.
How to Store Homemade Marinara Sauce
You can store any leftover marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To keep it longer, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container. Marinara sauce can last for up to three months in the freezer.
Tips to Make Homemade Marinara Sauce
- For a richer flavor, allow the sauce to simmer longer.
- If using fresh tomatoes, peel and crush them before adding to the pot.
- Taste the sauce as you cook and adjust seasoning to your liking.
Variation
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking. If you enjoy a meatier sauce, you can brown some ground beef or sausage with the onions and garlic before adding the tomatoes.
FAQs
1. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried herbs like basil and oregano. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh.
2. Can I make this sauce without tomatoes?
No, tomatoes are the primary ingredient in marinara sauce. You can try other sauces if you want a tomato-free option.
3. Is marinara sauce gluten-free?
Yes, marinara sauce is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten intolerance, as long as you serve it with gluten-free pasta.
Now you have a straightforward guide to making your own homemade marinara sauce. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe and making it your own!
Homemade Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can Canned or fresh tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil For sautéing
- 3 cloves Garlic Chopped
- 1 medium Onion Chopped
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper To taste
- 1 tablespoon Basil Fresh, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon Oregano Fresh, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon Sugar Optional, to balance acidity
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and sugar.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve with pasta, meatballs, or as a pizza sauce.
