Easy Marinara Sauce
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
20 mins
-
Cook Time
30 mins
-
Total Time
50 mins
-
Servings
8 cups
-
Calories
112 kcal
-
Course
Main Course, Condiments
-
Cuisine
Italian
Easy Marinara Sauce
Description
The Easy Marinara Sauce begins by gently cooking finely diced onion, shredded carrot, and minced garlic in olive oil until softened. Whole canned tomatoes are added with their juices and gently broken up, alongside crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and optionally granulated sugar to balance acidity. Dried oregano, salt, and black pepper season the sauce, and water is added to help achieve the desired consistency.
Simmering the sauce uncovered on low heat allows it to thicken and the flavors to meld. Fresh basil leaves are stirred in just before serving to retain their bright aroma and flavor. The carrot adds subtle sweetness and body without overpowering the tomato taste.
This sauce works well poured over spaghetti or as a base for other recipes requiring marinara. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to five days and can be reheated gently on the stove.
Fresh basil is recommended for best flavor, but dried basil can substitute if added earlier. Sugar is optional and depends on the tomatoes' natural acidity.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup onion finely diced
- ⅓ cup carrot shredded
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 28 ounces whole tomatoes 1 can, canned
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1-2 teaspoons granulated sugar optional
- ½ teaspoon oregano dried
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup basil leaves fresh, thinly sliced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- To the pot, add the finely diced onion, shredded carrot, and minced garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add whole canned tomatoes (juice included), breaking them apart gently with a spoon.
- Mix in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar if using, dried oregano, and season with ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Stir in ½ cup of water.
- Simmer uncovered on low heat for about 20 minutes, or until thickened to the desired consistency. Stir in fresh basil.
- Serve over spaghetti or enjoy in your favorite recipes.
Notes
- Add fresh basil just before serving for best flavor.
- Dried basil can replace fresh; add with oregano during cooking.
- Sugar balances acidity and is optional depending on tomatoes used.
- Store leftovers refrigerated up to 5 days; reheat on stovetop before serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8cups
Amount Per Serving
Calories 112 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 112 | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 5% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Sodium | 310mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 568mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 1320IU | 26% |
| Vitamin C | 21.5mg | 24% |
| Calcium | 76mg | 8% |
| Iron | 2.5mg | 14% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
