Easy Marinara Sauce Recipe
If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious sauce to elevate your pasta dishes, pizzas, and more, look no further than this Easy Marinara Sauce Recipe. This homemade marinara sauce is bursting with flavor, made from scratch with fresh ingredients, and comes together in just under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the rich, comforting world of marinara sauce!
Why It Deserves a Spot
There are countless reasons to add this Easy Marinara Sauce Recipe to your cooking repertoire. First and foremost, it’s incredibly versatile. You can use it as a base for pasta dishes, a topping for pizzas, or even as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. The fresh ingredients bring a depth of flavor that store-bought sauces simply can’t match. Additionally, making your own marinara sauce allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring that it’s made with love and care.
Gather These Ingredients
Before we get started, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 (32-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, or 4 pounds fresh tomatoes (chopped and mashed with a potato masher)
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme
- pinch red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- 1-2 whole carrots, diced (to balance acidity)
- splash balsamic vinegar (for sweetness)
Equipment & Tools
Before you start cooking, gather these essential tools:
- Large pot or saucepan: For simmering the sauce.
- Wooden spoon: To stir and mix the ingredients.
- Measuring spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping vegetables.
- Potato masher: If you’re using fresh tomatoes, for mashing.
Easy Marinara Sauce Recipe: How It’s Done
Now that you have all your ingredients and tools ready, let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent the garlic from burning.
Step 2: Season the Base
Once the onions are translucent, add the kosher salt and ground black pepper. Stir well to combine the seasonings with the sautéed garlic and onion mixture.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes
Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes (or the fresh, mashed tomatoes if you’re using them). Stir everything together until well combined. The sauce will begin to take shape at this point!
Step 4: Incorporate Herbs and Vegetables
Add the oregano, fresh thyme, and the diced carrots to the pot. The carrots will help to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, resulting in a smoother and sweeter sauce. If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to sprinkle in some red pepper flakes at this stage.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and develop beautifully.
Step 6: Finish with Balsamic Vinegar
Just before serving, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the sauce. This will enhance the sweetness and add a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
No-Store Runs Needed
One of the best aspects of this Easy Marinara Sauce Recipe is that it’s made from pantry staples. If you find yourself low on fresh ingredients, you can still whip up a delicious sauce. Here are a few ideas:
- Use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture.
- Skip the fresh herbs and use dried herbs if that’s what you have.
- Leave out the carrots if you’re out; the sauce will still be tasty!
- Experiment with different vinegars if balsamic isn’t available; red wine vinegar works well too.
Author’s Commentary
This Easy Marinara Sauce Recipe has been a game changer in my kitchen! It’s simple, quick, and so rewarding to know exactly what’s in your sauce. I love serving it over spaghetti or using it as a base for homemade pizza. The best part? It tastes even better the next day! You can easily double the batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Trust me; once you try making your own marinara, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought.
Storage & Reheat Guide
Once you’ve made your delicious marinara sauce, you might be wondering how to store it for later use. Here’s a quick guide:
- Refrigeration: Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, let the sauce cool, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: Reheat the sauce on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
Helpful Q&A
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs will provide a brighter flavor. Just remember to use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried, as fresh herbs are less concentrated.
What can I do if the sauce is too acidic?
If your sauce turns out too acidic, you can add a little bit of sugar to balance it out. Alternatively, cooking it with diced carrots, as this recipe suggests, helps to mitigate acidity naturally.
How can I make this sauce more flavorful?
Add more herbs or try incorporating other ingredients like a splash of red wine, or even sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for a heartier sauce.
Can I make this marinara sauce in advance for meal prep?
Yes! This sauce is perfect for meal prep. You can make it in advance, store it in the fridge or freezer, and use it throughout the week for quick meals.
Bring It to the Table
Now that you’ve mastered this Easy Marinara Sauce Recipe, it’s time to bring it to the table! Pair it with your favorite pasta, slather it on a homemade pizza, or use it as a dipping sauce for garlic bread. The possibilities are endless! Enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you’ve created a delicious sauce from scratch that will surely impress family and friends. Happy cooking!
Easy Marinara Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Once the onions are translucent, add the kosher salt and ground black pepper. Stir well to combine the seasonings with the sautéed garlic and onion mixture.
- Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes (or the fresh, mashed tomatoes if you’re using them). Stir everything together until well combined. The sauce will begin to take shape at this point!
- Add the oregano, fresh thyme, and the diced carrots to the pot. The carrots will help to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, resulting in a smoother and sweeter sauce. If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to sprinkle in some red pepper flakes at this stage.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and develop beautifully.
- Just before serving, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the sauce. This will enhance the sweetness and add a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Notes
- Allow the sauce to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze the sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.
- Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
