Homemade Marinara Sauce: A Flavorful Family Recipe

There’s something magical about the aroma of marinara sauce homemade wafting through your kitchen. Imagine plump tomatoes simmering with garlic and herbs, creating a savory symphony that dances on your taste buds. That burst of flavor as you dip a piece of crusty bread is nothing short of heaven.

Every time I make this marinara sauce, I am transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen. We’d gather around, the air thick with laughter and the rich scent of tomatoes bubbling away. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or whipping up a quick weeknight pasta dish that leaves everyone wanting more.

I remember the first time I made this sauce for friends; their delighted faces were priceless, and they kept asking for seconds!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Tomatoes: Opt for ripe, juicy tomatoes; they provide the best flavor and sweetness.

• Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves for an aromatic kick that elevates the sauce.

• Onion: A sweet onion adds depth to your sauce; chop finely for even cooking.

• Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor and richness in the sauce.

• Basil: Fresh basil leaves infuse a fragrant herbal note; use generously for authentic taste.

• Oregano: Dried oregano offers a robust earthiness; it’s a must-have in traditional marinara.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all flavors together; adjust according to taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by washing your fresh tomatoes and chopping them into quarters. Dice the onion finely and mince your garlic cloves to release their wonderful aroma.

Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat about two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until they become translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Toss in minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Stir in your quartered tomatoes along with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Let this mixture simmer gently on low heat for about 30 minutes. Enjoy the delightful aromas filling your kitchen.

Blend Until Smooth (Optional): If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender directly in the skillet or transfer it carefully to a blender. Blend until smooth or leave slightly chunky if desired!

Taste Test and Adjust Seasoning: Give your marinara sauce a taste test! Adjust seasoning by adding more salt or herbs based on your preference. Feel free to add red pepper flakes if you like some heat!

Serve or Store!: Once cooked through, serve immediately over pasta or let it cool before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

This homemade marinara sauce will soon become your go-to recipe! With each step, you’ll find joy not just in cooking but also in sharing this flavorful creation with loved ones.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing garlic and onions in olive oil until fragrant, then add tomatoes and seasonings. This order ensures layers of flavor develop beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap fresh basil for dried herbs or add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Personalizing your marinara makes it uniquely yours!

Storing & Reheating

Store marinara sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain its rich flavor.

Sharing my first attempt at making marinara sauce was hilarious; my friends couldn’t stop raving about it. They insisted I open a restaurant right then and there!

FAQ

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes can be used, but you’ll need more cooking time.

How long can marinara sauce be frozen?

Marinara sauce can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor.

What’s the best way to thicken my marinara sauce?

Simmering it longer allows excess liquid to evaporate, naturally thickening the sauce.

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Homemade Marinara Sauce

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Homemade marinara sauce is a delightful symphony of fresh ingredients that transforms any meal into a cozy occasion. With its rich aroma of ripe tomatoes, garlic, and herbs simmering together, this simple recipe evokes cherished memories and brings comfort to the dinner table. Perfect for pasta dishes or as a pizza base, this marinara sauce is not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor, making it a must-try for every home cook.

• Author: Logan Reed
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

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• 2 lbs fresh tomatoes, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prep: Wash and quarter the tomatoes. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Sauté: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent (3-5 minutes), then add garlic for another minute.
3. Add Tomatoes: Stir in quartered tomatoes, salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes.
4. Blend (Optional): For a smoother sauce, blend using an immersion blender or transfer to a blender and puree.
5. Taste & Adjust: Sample your sauce, adjusting seasoning as needed. Consider adding red pepper flakes for extra heat!
6. Serve or Store: Serve immediately over your favorite pasta or cool before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup (125g)
• Calories: 90
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 0.7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg