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Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe

4.6 from 94 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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