Are you ready to elevate your pasta nights with a burst of authentic Italian flavor? This Homemade Italian Marinara Sauce is not just any sauce; it's a culinary masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with delight! With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a little love, you can create a rich, savory sauce that rivals any restaurant dish. In just 40 minutes, you'll transform simple tomatoes into a vibrant sauce that’s perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping. Dive into this recipe and discover the secret to a truly homemade marinara that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until it shimmers and becomes fragrant.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent garlic from browning, which can create a bitter taste.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic mixture.
- Add sugar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper, then stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the sauce.
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld together.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or oregano to suit your preference.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce rest for 5 minutes to further develop its flavors.
- Garnish with fresh torn basil leaves just before serving.
- Serve hot with pasta, use as a pizza sauce, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh garlic and high-quality olive oil. Fresh ingredients will significantly enhance the flavor of your marinara sauce.
- Don’t Rush the Sauté: Take your time when sautéing the onions and garlic. This step is crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor base for your sauce.
- Simmer for Flavor: Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for at least 25-30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a sauce that’s bursting with taste.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your sauce before serving. You might find you want to add a pinch more salt, a dash of pepper, or a sprinkle of oregano to get it just right.
- Garnish with Fresh Basil: Adding fresh basil just before serving not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the aroma and freshness of the sauce.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to experiment by adding other ingredients like red pepper flakes for a kick or a splash of red wine for depth.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for later use. Marinara sauce freezes beautifully!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 2g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
