Description
This Classic Marinara Sauce is a simple yet flavorful recipe perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce. With fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, it’s a delicious and versatile sauce to have on hand.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes:
- Crush the whole peeled tomatoes with your hands or a potato masher and add them to the saucepan with their juices.
- Stir in the sugar (if using), salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Simmer:
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook, uncovered, for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
- Blend (Optional):
- For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce to your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can transfer the sauce to a blender and blend in batches.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs:
- Stir in the chopped fresh basil and parsley. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve:
- Serve the marinara sauce over your favorite pasta, use it as a pizza sauce, or enjoy it as a dipping sauce with breadsticks.
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftover marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes