Description
The Best Homemade Marinara Sauce is a rich and flavorful tomato sauce made from fresh ingredients and simple seasonings. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping, this easy recipe delivers authentic Italian flavor without store-bought jars.
Ingredients
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cans (28 oz each) whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand or blended
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp dried basil
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1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Sauté Aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. -
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
Pour in crushed tomatoes with juices.
Stir in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper. -
Simmer:
Bring sauce to a gentle simmer.
Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened. -
Adjust Seasoning:
Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or sugar as needed. -
Serve:
Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Use immediately or store.
Notes
For chunkier sauce, crush tomatoes less thoroughly.Use an immersion blender for a smooth sauce.Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra aroma.Add browned ground meat for a meaty version.Adjust heat with extra red pepper flakes or fresh chilis.
