Homemade Marinara Sauce

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Elevate your pasta dishes with this simple yet flavorful Homemade Marinara Sauce. Made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, this sauce is a delicious and healthier alternative to store-bought versions. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce, this marinara is versatile and easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Homemade Marinara Sauce for its rich, authentic Italian flavor. The combination of ripe tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs creates a sauce that is both robust and balanced. It’s quick to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste, making it a perfect staple for your kitchen.

Expert Tips and Tricks

  • Use Fresh Tomatoes: For the best flavor, use ripe, fresh tomatoes. San Marzano tomatoes are a great choice if available.
  • Simmer Slowly: Allow the sauce to simmer slowly to develop deeper flavors.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and oregano enhance the flavor, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch.
  • Crush Tomatoes by Hand: For a chunkier texture, crush the tomatoes by hand. For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender.
  • Season to Taste: Adjust the salt, pepper, and sugar to your taste preferences.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

  • Add Vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped onions, carrots, or bell peppers for additional flavor and nutrients.
  • Spicy Marinara: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Meaty Sauce: Brown ground beef or sausage before adding the tomatoes for a heartier sauce.
  • Wine Addition: Add a splash of red wine for a richer flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve this Homemade Marinara Sauce over your favorite pasta, as a base for pizza, or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks and mozzarella sticks. It pairs wonderfully with a glass of red wine, a fresh green salad, and some garlic bread.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • Freezing: Freeze the sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating: Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes? Yes, high-quality canned tomatoes like San Marzano can be used when fresh tomatoes are not in season.

How do I thicken the sauce? Simmer the sauce uncovered to allow excess liquid to evaporate, or add a tablespoon of tomato paste.

Can I make this sauce in advance? Yes, marinara sauce tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

Is this recipe vegan? Yes, this marinara sauce is naturally vegan.

Can I add sugar to the sauce? Yes, a pinch of sugar can be added to balance the acidity of the tomatoes if needed.

Homemade Marinara Sauce

Homemade Marinara Sauce

Yield: 6 cups
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Elevate your pasta dishes with this simple yet flavorful Homemade Marinara Sauce. Made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, this sauce is a delicious and healthier alternative to store-bought versions. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce, this marinara is versatile and easy to make.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped (or 2 cans (28 oz) crushed tomatoes)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried basil)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
  2. Add Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes if using canned) to the saucepan. Stir to combine with the garlic and olive oil.
  3. Season: Add the salt, black pepper, sugar (if using), and dried oregano. Stir to combine.
  4. Simmer: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
  5. Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in the chopped fresh basil (or dried basil if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Blend (Optional): For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce to your preferred consistency.
  7. Serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, if using, just before serving. Serve over pasta, as a pizza sauce, or as a dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Blanch and Peel Tomatoes: To peel fresh tomatoes easily, blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to an ice bath. The skins should slip off easily.
  • Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or vegetable broth. If too thin, continue to simmer until it reaches your desired thickness.
  • Make in Large Batches: This sauce freezes well, so consider making a double batch to have on hand for quick meals.

    • Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 92Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 436mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 3g
    © Chasety.com
    Cuisine: Italian / Category: Condiment

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