Marinara Sauce
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 28 oz 800g canned whole tomatoes (San Marzano tomatoes are recommended for their flavor)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3-4 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1-2 teaspoons sugar optional, to balance acidity
- Fresh basil leaves torn, for finishing
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving optional
Instructions
Prepare the Tomatoes:
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If using whole canned tomatoes, crush them by hand or use a food processor for a few pulses. Keep the juices as well.
Sauté Aromatics:
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Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
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Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 5 minutes.
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Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and sauté until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add Tomatoes and Herbs:
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Pour in the crushed tomatoes and their juices.
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Add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
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If the tomatoes are too acidic, you can add a teaspoon or two of sugar to balance the flavors.
Simmer and Reduce:
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Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
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Allow the sauce to simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help develop the flavors and reduce excess moisture.
Adjust Seasoning:
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Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings according to your preferences. You can add more salt, pepper, or dried herbs as needed.
Finish with Fresh Basil:
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Just before serving, add torn fresh basil leaves to the sauce. This will infuse the sauce with a wonderful, aromatic flavor.
Serve:
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Your marinara sauce is ready to be served! Use it over cooked pasta, as a dipping sauce, or in any recipe that calls for marinara sauce.
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Optionally, you can sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top when serving
Recipe Notes
- Quality ingredients matter. Use good-quality canned tomatoes and fresh herbs for the best flavor.
- Don't rush the cooking process. Let the sauce simmer and reduce slowly to develop rich flavors.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your desired level of spiciness.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as you cook to ensure the sauce has the right balance of flavors.
