great marinara sauce recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best great marinara sauce recipe

Marinara sauce is a staple in Italian cuisine, and its origins date back to the 18th century. The name ‘marinara’ literally means ‘of the sea’ in Italian, which refers to the traditional use of tomatoes and olive oil in this sauce.

This recipe is a classic example of how simple yet flavorful ingredients can come together to create a dish that’s both familiar and exciting. As a busy mom, I appreciate how easy it is to make marinara sauce from scratch, and my kids love helping me with the process by crushing garlic cloves and stirring the pot.

My family enjoys this sauce over pasta, as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, or as a topping for pizza. Not only is marinara sauce delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients like vitamin C from the tomatoes and antioxidants from the olive oil.

I love serving this sauce at family gatherings because it’s easy to make in large quantities and always gets rave reviews. One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is how versatile it is – you can use it as a base for other sauces or add your own favorite ingredients to mix things up.

My kids have even requested this sauce on their birthday parties, which speaks to its enduring popularity in our household. When I’m short on time, I often turn to this marinara sauce recipe because it’s quick to prepare and always satisfies my family’s cravings.

Whether you’re an Italian food enthusiast or just looking for a tasty way to get your kids eating more vegetables, this marinara sauce recipe is sure to please.

Classic Marinara Sauce

4.7 from 1140 votes

A rich and flavorful marinara sauce perfect for pasta dishes. This recipe combines fresh ingredients for a delicious and authentic taste.

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

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large carrot, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery.
3Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.
4This should take about 5-7 minutes.
5Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and sugar to the pot.
6Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
7Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the sauce to a simmer.
8Once the sauce is simmering, reduce the heat to low.
9Let the sauce cook, uncovered, for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
10The sauce should thicken slightly and the flavors should meld together.
11If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a little water.
12Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
13Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or sugar if needed.
14If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree it slightly.
15Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 20g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes to taste. This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months.

Watch Video Of How Classic Marinara Sauce Works

This marinara sauce recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just need a quick weeknight meal.

To store leftover marinara sauce, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

For reheating purposes, simply warm it up over low heat on your stovetop or microwave-safe bowl until heated through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Marinara Sauce

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

For this recipe, you’ll want to use crushed San Marzano tomatoes, which are sweeter and less acidic than other varieties. If you can’t find San Marzano tomatoes, you can substitute them with other high-quality crushed tomatoes.

Q: Can I make marinara sauce without garlic?

While garlic is a key ingredient in traditional marinara sauce, you can omit it if you’re not a fan or if you’re cooking for someone who doesn’t like garlic. Simply reduce the amount of garlic or substitute it with another aromatic ingredient like onion or shallots.

Q: How long does marinara sauce keep in the fridge?

This marinara sauce will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months – simply thaw and reheat when needed.

Q: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?

Canned tomatoes are convenient, but they may not have the same flavor as fresh tomatoes. If you choose to use canned tomatoes, look for ones that are low-sodium and made with high-quality ingredients.

Q: Is marinara sauce healthy?

This marinara sauce is relatively healthy due to its high tomato content and moderate amount of olive oil. However, feel free to adjust the amount of oil or substitute it with a healthier alternative if you’re watching your calorie intake.

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