basic marinara sauce recipe

basic marinara sauce recipe

The Best basic marinara sauce recipe

I’m so excited to share my basic marinara sauce recipe with you all today. I’ve been making this sauce for years, and it’s a staple in our household. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is one of their favorites.

They can’t get enough of the fresh flavor of the tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. This sauce is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It’s also a great way to get some veggies into your family’s diet, as it’s packed with healthy ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil.

Plus, it’s super easy to make and can be customized to your taste preferences. I like to serve it over pasta, but you can also use it as a dipping sauce or as a topping for pizza or other dishes. One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can adjust the level of garlic to your taste, add some red pepper flakes for an extra kick, or use fresh basil for a brighter flavor.

The possibilities are endless! And the best part? This sauce is made with just a few simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry or fridge.

No fancy ingredients needed here!

Basic Marinara Sauce

Basic Marinara Sauce

4.9 from 1047 votes

A classic, homemade marinara sauce that is rich, flavorful, and perfect for pasta dishes. This sauce is made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for a true Italian taste.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sauce

2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large carrot, finely chopped
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2Add onion, garlic, and carrot.
3Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and carrots have softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4You will see the onions become translucent and the carrots become soft.
5Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, sugar, oregano, basil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
6Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7The sauce will thicken slightly and the flavors will meld together.
8Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
9Stir in chopped fresh basil leaves.
10Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before serving.
11The sauce should have a rich, balanced flavor with a slight tang from the tomatoes and a hint of sweetness from the carrots.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until smooth. Add a pinch of baking soda to reduce acidity if the sauce is too tangy.

Watch Video Of How Basic Marinara Sauce Works

This basic marinara sauce recipe is a staple in our household because it’s easy to make and always tastes delicious. You can store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze it for later use.

When reheating, be sure to stir well before serving and adjust seasoning as needed. One of my favorite ways to serve this sauce is over cooked pasta with some crusty bread on the side – it’s an easy and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Basic Marinara Sauce

Q: What type of tomatoes should I use for this recipe?

A: For this basic marinara sauce recipe, you’ll want to use fresh, high-quality tomatoes that are ripe but still firm. San Marzano tomatoes are a popular choice among cooks because they have a sweeter flavor and less acidity than other varieties.

Q: Can I make this sauce in advance?

A: Yes, you can make this sauce up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.

Q: How do I know if my garlic is too strong?

A: If you’re worried about your garlic overpowering the other flavors in the sauce, start with a smaller amount (about half the amount called for in the recipe) and adjust to taste.

Q: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

A: While canned tomatoes are convenient and fine for many recipes, they don’t have the same rich flavor as fresh tomatoes. If possible, try using fresh or high-quality canned tomatoes for the best results.

Q: What if I don’t have any olive oil on hand?

A: You can substitute another neutral-tasting oil like avocado oil or grapeseed oil if you don’t have olive oil available.

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