Homemade Marinara Sauce
A simple and delicious homemade marinara sauce made from fresh tomatoes, perfect for pasta, pizza, and more.
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.
Notes
You can refrigerate or freeze leftovers as desired. To store, let it cool completely before placing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for up to six months.