Are you tired of bland, store-bought pasta sauces that lack soul and flavor? Prepare to revolutionize your cooking with this Old Fashioned Marinara Sauce that promises to deliver a taste of traditional Italian cuisine right in your own kitchen! This simple yet magical recipe transforms humble ingredients into a rich, aromatic sauce that will make your family and friends believe you've been secretly trained by a Mediterranean chef.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 cups
Ingredients
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 chopped onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon sugar, salt and pepper to taste, and fresh basil for garnish.
- In a large saucepan or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Allow it to warm for about 1-2 minutes until it shimmers slightly.
- Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
- Once the onions are softened, add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning, until fragrant.
- Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes, stirring well to combine with the onion and garlic mixture.
- Add the dried oregano and sugar to the sauce. The sugar will help to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each and adjust as needed throughout the cooking process.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help deepen the flavors and thicken the sauce.
- After 30-40 minutes, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree it to your desired consistency.
- Once the sauce is ready, remove it from heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
- This Old Fashioned Marinara Sauce can be served over your favorite pasta, used as a pizza sauce, or enjoyed with bread for dipping. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips
- Use high-quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor - San Marzano tomatoes are ideal if you can find them.
- Don't rush the sautéing process: Slowly cooking onions and garlic develops a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
- The sugar isn't just for sweetness - it helps balance the tomatoes' natural acidity and rounds out the sauce's flavor.
- Low and slow simmering is key: Allow the sauce to develop its rich taste by maintaining a gentle simmer.
- Fresh herbs make a difference - if possible, use fresh basil instead of dried for a brighter, more vibrant finish.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of red wine during the simmering process.
- This sauce freezes beautifully, so don't hesitate to make a double batch for future quick meals!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
