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Marinara Sauce
Course
Sauce and Dips
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:
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:
Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 5 minutes.
Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and sauté until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add Tomatoes and Herbs:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and their juices.
Add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
If the tomatoes are too acidic, you can add a teaspoon or two of sugar to balance the flavors.
Simmer and Reduce:
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
Allow the sauce to simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help develop the flavors and reduce excess moisture.
Adjust Seasoning:
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:
Just before serving, add torn fresh basil leaves to the sauce. This will infuse the sauce with a wonderful, aromatic flavor.
Serve:
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.
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.