Description
This classic homemade marinara sauce is a simple, flavorful, and healthy Italian tomato sauce made with olive oil, garlic, onions, and a blend of herbs. Perfect for pasta, pizza, meatballs, or as a versatile dipping sauce, this recipe is both vegan and gluten-free, highlighting fresh ingredients and easy stovetop preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Tomato Ingredients
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Seasonings & Herbs
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the onion becomes soft, translucent, and fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until its aroma releases, taking care not to burn it.
- Add Tomato Ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, stirring to combine all tomato components thoroughly.
- Season Sauce: Mix in the sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and salt and black pepper to taste, distributing the seasonings evenly.
- Simmer Sauce: Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens and the flavors meld together.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed to suit your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil before serving with your favorite pasta or dish.
Notes
- This marinara sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Use the sauce as a base for pasta, pizza, meatballs, or as a delicious dipping sauce.
- For a smoother texture, blend the sauce with an immersion blender after cooking.
