Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: With only five main ingredients, this recipe is straightforward and quick to prepare.
- Freshness: Homemade marinara offers a fresher taste compared to store-bought versions, enhancing your dishes with vibrant flavors.
- Versatility: Use it as a pasta sauce, pizza base, or dipping sauce—the possibilities are endless.
- Healthier Option: Control the quality of ingredients and avoid preservatives found in many commercial sauces.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced (approximately 1 cup)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a medium-sized pot over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, kosher salt, and chopped thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has slightly thickened.
- Incorporate Basil: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil. This preserves the basil’s delicate flavor.
- Serve: Use immediately with your favorite dishes or let the sauce cool before storing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 cups of marinara sauce, sufficient for about 8 servings.
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Chunky Texture: For a chunkier sauce, use canned whole tomatoes and break them up with a spoon during cooking.
- Fresh Tomatoes: Substitute canned tomatoes with fresh diced tomatoes; simmer longer and consider using an immersion blender for a smoother consistency.
- Herb Substitutions: Experiment with other herbs like oregano or parsley to suit your taste preferences.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the sauce in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before use.
- Reheating: Reheat the sauce on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
What is marinara sauce?
Marinara sauce is a simple tomato-based sauce originating from Italy, typically made with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can substitute dried herbs; however, fresh herbs provide a more vibrant flavor.
Is marinara sauce the same as spaghetti sauce?
Marinara is a type of spaghetti sauce, but traditional spaghetti sauce may include additional ingredients like meat or vegetables.
How can I thicken my marinara sauce?
Simmer the sauce longer to reduce liquid, or add a small amount of tomato paste to achieve a thicker consistency.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely, marinara sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until needed.
What dishes can I use marinara sauce in?
It’s versatile and can be used in pasta dishes, as a pizza base, in casseroles, or as a dipping sauce.
Is this marinara sauce vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it contains no animal products.
How do I adjust the sauce if it’s too acidic?
Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity if needed.
Can I add meat to this marinara sauce?
Yes, you can add cooked ground meat or meatballs to make a meatier sauce.
What’s the difference between marinara and pizza sauce?
Marinara is typically thinner and used for pasta, while pizza sauce is thicker and often uncooked before baking.
Conclusion
This homemade marinara sauce is a testament to the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create a flavorful and versatile sauce. Whether you’re topping pasta, preparing a pizza, or looking for a delicious dipping sauce, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Marinara sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups (approximately 8 servings)
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Classic marinara sauce, a quintessential Italian tomato-based delight, crafted with crushed tomatoes, aromatic onions, garlic, and fresh herbs. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping, this homemade recipe offers vibrant flavors, simplicity, and versatility.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced (approximately 1 cup)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds without burning. - Combine Ingredients:
Add crushed tomatoes, kosher salt, and chopped thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. - Simmer:
Let the sauce gently simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. - Incorporate Basil:
Remove the pot from heat and stir in chopped basil to preserve its fresh flavor. - Serve:
Use immediately or cool for storage.
Notes
- For chunkier texture, use whole canned tomatoes and break them up while cooking.
- Adjust acidity with a pinch of sugar if needed.
- To add a spicy kick, include red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
