Easy Marinara Sauce

User Reviews

5.0

9 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    10 mins

  • Total Time

    55 mins

  • Servings

    6

  • Calories

    312 kcal

  • Cuisine

    Italian

Easy Marinara Sauce

Marinara sauce is an Italian sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and olive oil. It is usually served with pasta or used as a topping or dipping sauce.  This recipe for the marinara sauce is made up of a few simple ingredients combined to create a delicious, quick, and easy sauce that can serve as the foundation for various other dishes.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion , finely diced
  • 8 cloves garlic , peeled and sliced
  • 1-½ teaspoon kosher salt , adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar , optional
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes or whole tomatoes, lightly crushed or 3 lb ripe plum fresh tomatoes
  • 5 roma tomatoes , chopped (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano or italian seasoning 
  • ½ cup fresh basil , julienne or Italian parsley, chopped
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Instructions

  1. Heat Oil: In a medium, non-reactive saucepan, warm the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the onion and garlic. Sauté until they are lightly browned, approximately 5 minutes.
  3. Add Tomatoes: Gently incorporate the canned tomatoes with their liquid and fresh tomatoes.
  4. Season: Bring the sauce to a boil, then season with salt and crushed red pepper to taste.
  5. Simmer: Lower the heat to maintain a simmer. Break up the tomatoes with a whisk, cooking until the sauce thickens into a chunky consistency, about 30 to 45 minutes.
  6. Final Touches: Mix in chopped basil and a splash of lemon juice about 5 minutes before the sauce is done.
  7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

  • How to Store & Re-Heat
  • How to Store & Re-Heat
  • To store: Let it cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. The sauce can be frigerated for 5 days or frozen for 3 months. It's best to use a freezer-safe container or a freezer bag if freezing.
  • To store: Let it cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. The sauce can be frigerated for 5 days or frozen for 3 months. It's best to use a freezer-safe container or a freezer bag if freezing.
  • To reheat: Transfer the sauce to a pot and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce is too thick, add some water or broth to thin it out.
  • To reheat: Transfer the sauce to a pot and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce is too thick, add some water or broth to thin it out.
  • Alternatively, you can reheat the sauce in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until heated. Remember that the sauce's texture may change after being stored and reheated, but the flavor should still be delicious.
  • Alternatively, you can reheat the sauce in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until heated. Remember that the sauce's texture may change after being stored and reheated, but the flavor should still be delicious.
  • Make-Ahead
  • Make-Ahead
  • Marinara Sauce is a great recipe to make ahead of time and have on hand for quick and easy meals. To make it, follow the recipe and let the sauce cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use the sauce, reheat it according to the instructions above.
  • Marinara Sauce is a great recipe to make ahead of time and have on hand for quick and easy meals. To make it, follow the recipe and let the sauce cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use the sauce, reheat it according to the instructions above.
  • Preparing the sauce can save you time and energy when you need a quick meal. You can use it as a base for pasta dishes, pizza, and casseroles or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or meatballs. The possibilities are endless, and having the Marinara Sauce on hand will make mealtime a breeze.
  • Preparing the sauce can save you time and energy when you need a quick meal. You can use it as a base for pasta dishes, pizza, and casseroles or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or meatballs. The possibilities are endless, and having the Marinara Sauce on hand will make mealtime a breeze.
  • How to Freeze
  • How to Freeze
  • To freeze Marinara Sauce, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or a freezer bag. Be sure to leave some space in the container or bag to allow for expansion as the sauce freezes. If using a freezer bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing it. Label the container or bag with the date and contents to quickly identify it later. The sauce could be frozen for up to 3 months.
  • To freeze Marinara Sauce, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or a freezer bag. Be sure to leave some space in the container or bag to allow for expansion as the sauce freezes. If using a freezer bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing it. Label the container or bag with the date and contents to quickly identify it later. The sauce could be frozen for up to 3 months.
  • When ready to use the sauce, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Alternatively, you can thaw it in the microwave or by placing the container in a bowl of cold water. Once thawed, reheat the sauce on the stove or microwave and use it as desired. It's worth noting that the sauce's texture may change after being frozen and thawed, but the flavor should still be delicious. Freezing Marinara Sauce is a great way to have it on hand for future meals or when making a large batch.
  • When ready to use the sauce, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Alternatively, you can thaw it in the microwave or by placing the container in a bowl of cold water. Once thawed, reheat the sauce on the stove or microwave and use it as desired. It's worth noting that the sauce's texture may change after being frozen and thawed, but the flavor should still be delicious. Freezing Marinara Sauce is a great way to have it on hand for future meals or when making a large batch.
  • Notes:
  • Refrigerate in a seal-tight container for up to 5 days. Rewarm over medium heat or microwave before using. Allow enough cooking time so it can develop more flavor.
  • Add other ingredients, such as poblano pepper, celery, and carrots, to build flavors.
  • For smooth Marinara: Use an immersion blender and puree until smooth.
  • For a chunky Marinera: If using canned plum tomatoes, coarsely crush them by hand before cooking or crush the tomatoes with your spatula after.
  • When using only fresh plum tomatoes, increase the extra virgin olive to ¼ cup for best results.
  • To kick the flavor up a notch, try adding Herbes de Provence (No Lavender added)
  • The Marinara sauce can be made one day ahead. First, cool, then cover and refrigerate.
  • Freeze the cooled marinara sauce in a seal-tight container for up to 1 month.
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5.0

9 reviews
Excellent

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