marinara sauce homemade recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
marinara sauce homemade recipe
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The Best marinara sauce homemade recipe

I’ve been making marinara sauce from scratch for years, and it’s become a staple in our household. The taste is rich and tangy, with a depth of flavor that comes from using fresh tomatoes and herbs. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, especially when we’re making this sauce – it’s one of the few times they’ll actually sit still and listen to me teach them about cooking.

I’ve tried various recipes over the years, but this one remains my go-to. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion – my family always requests it when we’re having guests over. And the best part?

It’s incredibly healthy, thanks to the abundance of vegetables and minimal added sugar. My kids are picky eaters, but they devour this sauce on pasta, meatballs, or even as a dip for veggies. I’ve experimented with different variations, but the classic recipe never fails to please.

Plus, it’s so easy to make – just chop up some onions and garlic, sauté them in olive oil, and then add in your canned tomatoes and herbs. Let it simmer all day while you’re busy with other tasks, and voilà! You’ll have a delicious homemade marinara sauce ready to go.

This recipe has been passed down through generations of Italian cooks – I’m not sure who originally created it, but I’m grateful for their culinary ingenuity! My family loves using this sauce as a base for other dishes – we’ll add in ground beef or pork for a hearty meatball sub, or use it as a topping for pizza night.

Homemade Marinara Sauce

Homemade Marinara Sauce

4.8 from 564 votes

A rich and flavorful marinara sauce made from scratch, perfect for pasta or as a base for other dishes. This recipe uses simple ingredients and takes minimal effort.

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 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

👨‍🍳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 onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
4Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, sugar, oregano, basil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the pot.
5Stir well to combine.
6Reduce heat to low, and let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
7If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a little water.
8Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
9For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend until desired consistency is reached.
10Serve warm over pasta or use as a base for other dishes.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 5mg🧂Sodium: 1000mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 20g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smoother sauce, blend with an immersion blender. Add a pinch of baking soda to reduce acidity if needed.

Watch Video Of How Homemade Marinara Sauce Works

I love serving this homemade marinara sauce at family gatherings because everyone enjoys making their own creations with it – whether that means adding extra cheese or mixing in some veggies for an extra kick! The leftovers are also super versatile: use them as a dip for breadsticks or pizza rolls; mix them into scrambled eggs; add them on top of baked potatoes…

the possibilities are endless! This recipe has become an integral part of our family traditions – every time we gather around the table together (whether big feast dinner party style OR cozy little get-together), you can bet your bottom dollar there’ll be plenty delicious homemade marinara goodness floating around somewhere!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Marinara Sauce

1. What is marinara sauce?

Marinara sauce is a type of tomato sauce that originated in Italy. It’s made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, onion, and herbs like basil and oregano.

2. Why do you need to use fresh tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes are essential for making marinara sauce because they contain more water than canned tomatoes do. This water content helps create the signature light color and tangy flavor that characterizes this Italian dish.

3. Can I substitute canned tomatoes with fresh ones?

You can use fresh tomatoes if you want to make marinara sauce from scratch. However, keep in mind that using canned tomatoes will result in a slightly sweeter flavor profile.

4. Do you really need to cook the garlic for 10 minutes?

No! You can reduce the cooking time by half or even less depending on your preference for pungency.

5

This recipe makes about 2 cups of marinara sauce; how long does it last if stored properly?

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