Homemade Marinara Sauce
Homemade marinara sauce is a must-try for anyone who enjoys Italian cooking. This simple and flavorful sauce can elevate any dish, whether it’s pasta, pizza, or a tasty dip for bread. Making your own marinara sauce at home is easy and rewarding, allowing you to control the flavors and ingredients.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make homemade marinara sauce. First, it’s fresher and tastier than store-bought options. You know exactly what goes into it, so it can be healthier too. Plus, making marinara at home is a great way to impress family and friends with your cooking skills. It’s also an economical choice, as basic ingredients can be found in most kitchens.
How to Make Homemade Marinara Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, oregano, and basil.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
- Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve with pasta, pizza, or as desired, garnished with fresh basil.
How to Serve Homemade Marinara Sauce
You can serve homemade marinara sauce in many ways. It’s perfect for coating your favorite pasta. You can also use it as a pizza sauce or a dipping sauce for breadsticks. Garnish with fresh basil for extra flavor and a beautiful presentation.
How to Store Homemade Marinara Sauce
To store homemade marinara sauce, let it cool completely first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and place in the fridge. It can last up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the sauce. Use freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Homemade Marinara Sauce
- Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste. If you like a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Using fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes? Use about 2-3 pounds, peeled and chopped.
- For richer flavor, add a splash of red wine while cooking.
- Always taste your sauce before serving and adjust seasonings as needed.
Variation
If you want to try something different, you can add veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms to your marinara sauce for added texture and taste. Another tasty option is adding meat like ground beef or sausage for a meat sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh herbs! Just double the amount, as fresh herbs are less concentrated than dried.
2. Is marinara sauce gluten-free?
Yes, marinara sauce is gluten-free as long as you don’t add any gluten-containing ingredients.
3. Can I use marinara sauce for canning?
While you can can marinara sauce, it’s important to follow safe canning practices and use a tested recipe for canning to ensure it’s safe to eat later.
Enjoy making and sharing your homemade marinara sauce! It’s a delicious addition to many meals and brings the taste of Italy right into your kitchen.
Homemade Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes, canned
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, oregano, and basil.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
- Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve with pasta, pizza, or as desired, garnished with fresh basil.
