Marinara Sauce

iamwinfred

This authentic marinara sauce brings Italian flavor to your table with simple, wholesome ingredients. Ready in just 40 minutes, it uses quality San Marzano tomatoes, fresh aromatics, and herbs to create a perfectly balanced sauce with bright acidity and subtle herbaceous notes. Versatile enough for pasta, pizza, lasagna and more, it freezes beautifully for easy meal prep.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Servings servings

Calories 90 kcal

Equipment

Large saucepan or Dutch oven For even heat distribution
Wooden spoon
Chef's knife
Cutting board
Can opener
Immersion blender Optional, for smoother texture

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil 30ml
1 medium onion finely chopped
4 cloves garlic minced
2 28-ounce cans whole peeled tomatoes 800g each, preferably San Marzano
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
1 teaspoon sugar optional, helps balance acidity
salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves 15g, chopped
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 15ml, optional

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent with golden edges.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant but not browned.
Pour in both cans of tomatoes with their juice. Gently crush each tomato with your hands or wooden spoon as you add them to create rustic texture.
Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, sugar (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil and balsamic vinegar (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Notes

San Marzano tomatoes are worth the investment for their naturally sweet flavor and lower acidity
For smoother sauce, use an immersion blender after cooking to reach desired consistency
Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months
Freeze in various portion sizes (1 cup, 2 cups) for different recipes and meal sizes
Reserve pasta water when serving to thin sauce if needed and help it cling to noodles
Sauce tastes even better after sitting for a few hours or overnight as flavors meld
For spicy arrabbiata variation, double the red pepper flakes and add cayenne pepper
Add 1/2 cup heavy cream after simmering for vodka sauce variation
Don't overcook garlic as it will turn bitter and ruin the sauce flavor
Make double batch since it freezes beautifully for busy weeknight meals

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 90kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.5gSodium: 400mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 10mg

Keyword homemade sauce, italian sauce, marinara sauce, pasta sauce, tomato sauce