Homemade Marinara Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes
Making your own marinara sauce at home can elevate your meals and provide a delicious, fresh flavor. With simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can create this classic Italian sauce and enjoy it with pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce.
Why Make This Recipe
Homemade marinara sauce is not only tasty, but it also allows you to control the ingredients. You can adjust the flavor to your liking, and it’s a great way to use fresh tomatoes. Plus, it is healthier than many store-bought versions which may contain preservatives or added sugars. Making your own marinara sauce can also be gratifying!
How to Make Homemade Marinara Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium-sized yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or pressed
- 10 Roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped (about 4 cups)
- 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and chopped (about 2 cups)
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup fresh oregano leaves, packed
- 10 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 can (156ml) tomato paste
Directions:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 10 minutes, or until fragrant and the onions have softened.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, bell pepper, jalapeño, fresh basil, oregano, thyme, and kosher salt to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Let the mixture simmer on low for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the veggies have softened and the sauce has a stewed consistency.
- Remove from heat and take out the sprigs of thyme.
- Use a handheld immersion blender to blend the mixture until it reaches your desired thickness.
- Store the sauce in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
How to Serve Homemade Marinara Sauce
You can serve your homemade marinara sauce in many ways. It’s great with pasta, as a pizza topping, or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. You can also use it in lasagna or with roasted vegetables for added flavor.
How to Store Homemade Marinara Sauce
Store your homemade marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in suitable containers or ice cube trays for easy portioning. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Homemade Marinara Sauce
- Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Don’t rush the sautéing process; letting the onions and garlic cook until fragrant enhances the sauce’s taste.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño according to your preference.
- Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Variation
You can add other vegetables like carrots or zucchini for added nutrition and variety. If you like a smoother sauce, blend it longer or strain it after blending.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh for this recipe?
Yes, you can. Use two 14-ounce cans of diced tomatoes if fresh tomatoes are not available, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. How can I make this sauce spicier?
For more heat, add more jalapeño pepper or include red pepper flakes while cooking.
3. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried herbs. Use about one-third of the amount compared to fresh herbs since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
Enjoy making your homemade marinara sauce with fresh tomatoes, and experience the delightful aroma and taste in your dishes!
Homemade Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or pressed
- 10 Roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped (about 4 cups) Use ripe tomatoes for best flavor.
- 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and chopped (about 2 cups)
- 1 medium jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped Adjust spice level to taste.
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup fresh oregano leaves, packed
- 10 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 can (156ml) tomato paste
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 10 minutes, or until fragrant and the onions have softened.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, bell pepper, jalapeño, fresh basil, oregano, thyme, and kosher salt to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Let the mixture simmer on low for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies have softened and the sauce has a stewed consistency.
- Remove from heat and take out the sprigs of thyme.
- Use a handheld immersion blender to blend the mixture until it reaches your desired thickness.
