Imagine transforming simple ingredients into a mouthwatering marinara sauce that will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds! This homemade marinara is not just a sauce - it's a culinary journey that brings the authentic flavors of Italy right to your dinner table. With just a few fresh ingredients and some simple cooking techniques, you'll create a sauce so delicious, you'll never want to buy store-bought marinara again.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 chopped onion, 4 minced cloves of garlic, 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil.
- In a large saucepan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about 1-2 minutes until it shimmers but does not smoke.
- 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 onion is softened, add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning. You want the garlic to be fragrant and lightly golden.
- Next, pour in the can of crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine the tomatoes with the sautéed onion and garlic.
- To balance the acidity of the tomatoes, add 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer by increasing the heat slightly. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a simmer. Cover the pan partially with a lid, leaving a small gap for steam to escape.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
- After the sauce has simmered, remove it from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil. This will add a vibrant flavor and aroma to the sauce.
- Adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to taste. Your homemade marinara sauce is now ready to serve!
- Serve the marinara sauce over your favorite pasta, as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, or as a base for pizza. Enjoy your delicious homemade marinara!
Tips
- Use high-quality olive oil and fresh ingredients for the most vibrant flavor.
- Sauté onions and garlic slowly to develop a rich, deep flavor base.
- The sugar helps balance the tomatoes' acidity - don't skip this secret ingredient!
- Fresh basil added at the end provides a bright, aromatic finish.
- Simmer the sauce uncovered to allow excess liquid to evaporate and concentrate flavors.
- For a smoother sauce, you can blend it after cooking or use an immersion blender.
- This sauce freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, so make extra and save some for later!
- Let the sauce rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to fully develop.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 127kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
