Homemade Marinara Sauce
Homemade marinara sauce is a delicious and easy way to bring flavor to your meals. This classic Italian sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, or even as a dipping sauce. Making your own marinara means you can control the ingredients and make it just the way you like it!
Why Make This Recipe
Making homemade marinara sauce is rewarding and simple. Freshly made sauce tastes much better than store-bought versions, which can be loaded with preservatives. By making it yourself, you can adjust the flavors to suit your taste. Plus, it takes only a few minutes and requires just a handful of ingredients.
How to Make Homemade Marinara Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and oregano; bring to a simmer.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve over pasta, or use as a base for other dishes.
How to Serve Homemade Marinara Sauce
You can serve homemade marinara sauce in many ways! It’s excellent over spaghetti or penne pasta. You can also use it as a sauce for lasagna, on a pizza, or as a dip for breadsticks. The possibilities are endless, and it’s sure to please everyone!
How to Store Homemade Marinara Sauce
To store your homemade marinara sauce, let it cool completely first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for about 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in a safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Homemade Marinara Sauce
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- If you like your sauce a little spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for additional flavor.
- Remember to stir occasionally while simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
Variation
You can easily vary this recipe by adding chopped onions or bell peppers for extra flavor. Another great option is to throw in some olives or capers for a Mediterranean twist.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! Peel and chop about 2-3 cups of fresh tomatoes and use them in place of the canned tomatoes.
Can I make marinara sauce in advance?
Absolutely! Marinara sauce can be made a few days ahead of time and stored in the fridge. It tastes even better when the flavors have a chance to meld.
Can I use this recipe for other dishes?
Yes, this basic marinara sauce is versatile! It’s great for pasta, pizza, and even as a dipping sauce for appetizers like mozzarella sticks or bread.
Homemade Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Extra virgin is recommended for best flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 ounces) You can substitute with fresh tomatoes if desired.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano Feel free to add fresh herbs for more flavor.
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust based on your preference.
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and oregano; bring to a simmer.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
