Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Marinara sauce is a simple, flavorful tomato sauce that’s a staple in Italian cooking. Made with just a few ingredients, it’s perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for other dishes. This classic recipe brings out the rich taste of San Marzano tomatoes enhanced with garlic and herbs.
Ingredients
- 28 ounce can whole San Marzano tomatoes*
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Crush the whole tomatoes with your hands into a large bowl. Set aside the crushed tomatoes.
- Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the garlic and stir until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, and salt to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the sauce for 15 to 20 minutes, until the oil on the surface turns a deep orange color.
Tips & Variations
- Use San Marzano tomatoes for the best flavor, but good-quality canned tomatoes can also work well.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Finely chop the garlic instead of whole cloves for a stronger garlic flavor.
- For a smoother sauce, blend the sauce briefly after cooking.
Storage
Store leftover marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Fresh tomatoes can be used, but canned San Marzano tomatoes are preferred for their consistent flavor and sweetness. If using fresh, peel and crush ripe tomatoes for best results.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce longer uncovered to reduce the liquid and thicken it. Alternatively, you can add a small amount of tomato paste during cooking.
PrintEasy Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe
A classic homemade marinara sauce made with San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs, simmered in olive oil until rich and flavorful. Perfect as a versatile base for pasta dishes, pizzas, or dipping sauces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 cups 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Tomatoes and Herbs
- 28 ounce can whole San Marzano tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Other Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
Instructions
- Prepare the tomatoes: Crush the whole San Marzano tomatoes by hand into a large bowl, breaking them down into smaller pieces and releasing their juices. Set the crushed tomatoes aside for later use.
- Heat the olive oil and garlic: In a large skillet, add the extra virgin olive oil and place it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the garlic cloves. Stir gently to infuse the oil with garlic flavor without burning the cloves.
- Combine ingredients and simmer: Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, granulated sugar, and salt to the skillet with the garlic and olive oil. Reduce the heat to a low simmer and let the sauce cook uncovered for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Cook until the oil on the surface changes to a deep orange color, indicating the flavors have melded beautifully.
Notes
- For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce after simmering.
- San Marzano tomatoes are preferred for their rich flavor, but any high-quality whole peeled tomatoes can work.
- Adjust salt and sugar based on your taste preferences and the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Garlic can be minced if you prefer stronger garlic flavor dispersed throughout the sauce.
- This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Keywords: marinara sauce, Italian sauce, tomato sauce, homemade marinara, San Marzano tomatoes, classic Italian
