marinara sauce with fresh tomatoes recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best marinara sauce with fresh tomatoes recipe

Marinara sauce with fresh tomatoes is a classic Italian recipe that has been a staple in many households for generations. The dish originated in the Campania region of Italy, where it was made with simple ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. The sauce is typically made with crushed tomatoes, which gives it a smooth and rich texture.

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. My family and I enjoy it as a side dish or as a topping for pasta, pizza, or bread. The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it at any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a casual weeknight dinner.

The health benefits of this recipe are also impressive, as it’s low in calories and rich in antioxidants from the tomatoes. This sauce is also incredibly flavorful, thanks to the combination of garlic, olive oil, and herbs. I’ve made this recipe countless times, but I still get excited every time I take a bite – it’s just that good!

My kids love helping me in the kitchen to make this sauce, and they always have so much fun crushing the tomatoes with our hands. It’s become a fun family tradition for us. We always have this sauce on hand because it’s so easy to make and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

I’ve even frozen it for up to 6 months without any issues. This sauce is perfect for meal prep because you can make a big batch and use it throughout the week on different dishes.

Marinara Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes

4.7 from 692 votes

A vibrant and flavorful marinara sauce made from ripe fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. This simple sauce is perfect for pasta, as a pizza base, or as a dipping sauce.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sauce

2 pounds ripe Roma tomatoes, cored and roughly chopped
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for richness)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using, and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and increase the heat to medium-high.
4Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to break down and release their juices, creating a chunky sauce.
5Reduce the heat to low and stir in the tomato paste, if using, along with the dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
6Simmer the sauce uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reduces slightly, with a deep red color.
7Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the fresh basil.
8For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender directly in the pot or pass the sauce through a food mill.
9Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

🔧Equipment

Large saucepan or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Food mill or immersion blender (optional)

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 12g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 2g

📝Notes

Tips: For a richer flavor, roast the tomatoes at 400°F for 20 minutes before adding to the sauce. This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

This marinara sauce with fresh tomatoes is a staple in my household that never fails to impress my family and friends.

It’s so easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for meal prep or daily cooking.

Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or as a topping for pasta or pizza, this sauce is sure to be a hit.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Marinara Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes

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

You can use either fresh or canned tomatoes for this recipe, but I highly recommend using fresh ones for the best flavor and texture.

Q: Can I use other herbs besides basil?

Yes, you can use other herbs like oregano or parsley if you prefer them over basil.

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

This sauce will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days without any issues.

Q: Can I freeze this sauce?

Yes, you can freeze this sauce for up to 6 months without any issues.

Q: What type of pasta pairs well with this sauce?

This sauce pairs perfectly with spaghetti or linguine, but you can also use other types of pasta like penne or rigatoni.

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