tomato marinara sauce recipe

The Best tomato marinara sauce recipe

I love making tomato marinara sauce recipe for my family. It’s a classic dish that never fails to please. The taste and smell of fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs simmering together in olive oil is just heavenly. My kids always ask for seconds, and my husband loves it when I serve it over pasta or as a dip for bread. I’ve made this recipe countless times, but it never gets old.

I think what I love most about it is the simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation. It’s a perfect recipe for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly good for you – packed with vitamins and antioxidants from the tomatoes and herbs. And the best part? It’s so easy to customize to your taste.

Want more garlic? Add some! Want less acidity? Use less tomatoes! The possibilities are endless.

As an Italian-American, I have a deep love for the flavors and traditions of my heritage, and this recipe brings me right back to my childhood. My Nonna used to make this sauce all the time, and I remember helping her in the kitchen, watching her chop the fresh basil with such care and precision. She’d always say that the key to a good sauce was in the quality of the ingredients and the patience to let them simmer slowly over low heat. And she was right – this sauce is all about letting those flavors meld together. Of course, one of the best things about tomato marinara sauce is its versatility.

You can serve it with spaghetti, linguine, or even as a dip for bread or vegetables. My kids love it when I serve it over roasted vegetables or grilled meats – it adds such a depth of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. And if you’re feeling fancy, you can even add some meatballs or sausage to make it a hearty meal. But beyond its deliciousness and versatility, what really sets this recipe apart is its health benefits. Tomatoes are full of lycopene, an antioxidant that’s been shown to reduce cancer risk and improve heart health.

Herbs like basil and oregano have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe digestive issues and boost immunity. So if you’re looking for a quick, easy, and healthy meal solution that will satisfy both your taste buds and your nutritional needs, look no further than this tomato marinara sauce recipe.

Classic Tomato Marinara Sauce

4.6 from 1426 votes

A rich and flavorful tomato marinara sauce perfect for pasta dishes. This sauce is made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for a delicious meal.

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

🥘Ingredients

For the Marinara Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, for garnish

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery.
3Sauté until vegetables are softened and onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
4Stir frequently to prevent burning.
5Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and bay leaf to the pot.
6Stir well to combine.
7Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes.
8Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
9Sauce will thicken slightly and the flavors will meld together.
10Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
11If the sauce is too acidic, add sugar to balance the flavors.
12Remove the bay leaf.
13Garnish with chopped fresh basil.
14Serve over your favorite pasta and enjoy.

🔧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: You can adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more or less water or by simmering it longer.

Watch Video Of How Classic Tomato Marinara Sauce Works

I always recommend making extra tomato marinara sauce because it freezes so well – just scoop out portions into ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months!

Reheating is as simple as warming up individual portions in a pan on low heat until warmed through.

When serving this sauce over pasta or as a dip for bread, consider adding some crumbled Parmesan cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Tomato Marinara Sauce

Q: What type of tomatoes should I use?

You can use either fresh or canned tomatoes for this recipe – just make sure they’re high-quality and not too acidic.

Q: Can I make this sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make this sauce ahead of time – just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Q: How long does this sauce take to cook?

This sauce cooks relatively quickly – about 20-30 minutes on low heat.

Q: Can I add meat or protein to this sauce?

Yes, you can add ground beef or sausage to make it more substantial.

Q: Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians?

This sauce is vegetarian-friendly – just be sure to check any store-bought ingredients like broth or wine.

Q: Can I customize this sauce with different herbs?

Absolutely – feel free to experiment with different herbs like parsley or cilantro!

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