Why Make This Recipe
Homemade marinara sauce is a simple and quick way to elevate your pasta dishes. By making it yourself, you gain control over the ingredients, ensuring that you use fresh and wholesome tastes. Plus, it gives your meals a delicious homemade feel that jarred sauces often lack. Cooking your own sauce also allows you to adjust flavors to match your preferences.
How to Make Homemade Marinara Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 medium yellow onion (1/2 cup chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (finely minced)
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 Tbsp fresh basil (or parsley, finely minced, plus more to garnish)
Directions:
- Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and add 2 Tbsp olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add 1/2 cup chopped onion, stirring often until soft and golden (about 5 mins). Add minced garlic and stir for 1 min, or until fragrant.
- Stir in 28 oz of crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Bring to a light boil, then reduce heat and simmer partially covered for 15 minutes.
- Finally, stir in 1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil, then turn off the heat.
How to Serve Homemade Marinara Sauce
You can serve your marinara sauce over any pasta of your choice, including spaghetti, linguine, or penne. It also works great as a base for pizza, a dipping sauce for breadsticks, or even as a topping for meatballs. Garnish with extra basil or parsley for added freshness!
How to Store Homemade Marinara Sauce
Store any leftover marinara sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last about 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in freezer-safe bags or containers, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge or microwave before reheating.
Tips to Make Homemade Marinara Sauce
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for the best flavor.
- Feel free to add more herbs, like thyme or rosemary, to customize the taste.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Always taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking before serving.
Variation
You can make a creamy marinara by adding a splash of heavy cream at the end. This will give the sauce a rich texture and deeper flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! Just peel and chop them, and you may need to cook them a bit longer to reach a sauce-like consistency.
Is it necessary to sauté the onion and garlic?
Yes, sautéing the onion and garlic enhances their flavors and adds depth to the sauce.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to blend. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
Homemade Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
Sauce Base
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 medium yellow onion (1/2 cup chopped) Chopped
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 Tbsp fresh basil (or parsley, finely minced, plus more to garnish) For garnish, use more fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
Cooking
- Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and add 2 Tbsp of olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add 1/2 cup chopped onion, stirring often until soft and golden (about 5 mins).
- Add minced garlic and stir for 1 min or until fragrant.
- Stir in 28 oz of crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper.
- Bring to a light boil, then reduce heat and simmer partially covered for 15 minutes.
- Finally, stir in 1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil, then turn off the heat.