fresh marinara sauce recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best fresh marinara sauce recipe

I’ve been making fresh marinara sauce for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and they’re always excited to taste the final product. This recipe is a staple in our household, and it’s perfect for everyday meals or special occasions.

I love that it’s made with just a few simple ingredients – crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs – which makes it a great option for busy weeknights when I’m short on time. The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients and letting the sauce simmer slowly to allow all the flavors to meld together. It’s a game-changer for pasta dishes, pizza toppings, or as a dip for bread.

My family can’t get enough of it! I’ve even started making extra batches to freeze for later use, which has saved me so much time during meal prep. Plus, the health benefits of eating fresh, homemade sauce are a bonus – no preservatives or artificial additives here!

My kids love being able to help with the process, from mashing the garlic to stirring the sauce as it simmers. They’re learning valuable cooking skills and enjoying quality time with mom. The best part?

This recipe is incredibly versatile – I’ve used it as a base for different flavor profiles by adding different herbs or spices. It’s also easy to make in bulk and store for later use, which is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts like me.

Fresh Marinara Sauce

4.8 from 1684 votes

A classic Italian sauce made with fresh tomatoes and herbs. Perfect for pasta.

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 stalk celery, finely chopped
1 can (28 oz) whole 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 (optional)
1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery.
3Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4Add whole tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, salt, sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5Stir well to combine.
6Bring the sauce to a boil.
7Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes.
8Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
9The sauce is ready when it has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together.
10Remove the pot from heat.
11Stir in fresh basil.
12For a smoother sauce, use a blender or immersion blender to puree the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Blender or immersion blender

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 6g🍬Sugars: 15g🥩Protein: 3g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier sauce, add more red pepper flakes. For a smoother sauce, blend until smooth.

This fresh marinara sauce recipe is always a good idea – whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just want a quick and delicious meal option.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it over pasta, use it as a dip for breadsticks, or even add it to your favorite pizza dough.

When storing leftovers, be sure to keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 6 months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Fresh Marinara Sauce

Q: What type of tomatoes should I use?

For this recipe, I recommend using crushed San Marzano tomatoes – they have a sweeter, less acidic flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.

Q: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

While you can use canned tomatoes as a substitute, I highly recommend using fresh ones if possible. The flavor and texture will be significantly better.

Q: Do I need any special equipment?

Nope! A simple saucepan and wooden spoon are all you need to make this recipe.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

Sure thing! You can make the sauce up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Q: What if I don’t have any fresh herbs on hand?

No worries at all! You can omit the fresh herbs or substitute them with dried ones if needed.

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