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Homemade Marinara Sauce

This Marinara Sauce is the best tomato sauce recipe! This San Marzano Tomato Sauce is made with extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, San Marzano canned tomatoes, tomato paste, fresh herbs, and spices. This homemade marinara sauce simmers for hours to create the most robust and flavorful easy marinara sauce.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
2 hrs 10 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 50 kcal
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • (2) 28-ounce cans Whole Peeled Tomatoes, with juices (San Marzano)
  • 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 2 Tablespoons Fresh Basil Leaves * (chopped)
  • 1 Tablespoon Fresh Oregano **

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Start by sauteeing garlic with extra-virgin olive oil. This will only take 1-2 minutes, maximum, since garlic can easily burn. If garlic burns, it can turn bitter, so you always want to water garlic carefully.
  2. Add San Marzano canned tomatoes with juices into the sauteed garlic. Add tomato paste, salt, pepper, and sugar. Reduce heat to LOW and let it simmer. You don't want to completely cover the pot with a lid or too much condensation will form. I suggest just partially covering the pot with a lid. 
  3. Simmer on low heat for 2-4 hours, stirring often, to keep the sauce from burning on the bottom of the pan. After the sauce has simmered, add in the fresh herbs, basil and oregano, and red chili flakes. Taste for seasonings and add more salt and pepper, if needed. 
  4. Serve with fresh pasta and freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • If you don't have fresh basil or fresh oregano on hand, you can use dried basil and dried oregano.
  • For dried basil, use 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons
  • For dried oregano, use 3/4 teaspoon
  • Even though I suggest using San Marzano canned tomatoes, you can use any type of canned whole, peeled tomatoes.
  • If you don't have fresh basil and oregano, you can use dried basil and dried oregano.
  • The sugar is used to offset the acidity of the tomatoes. 
  • By simmering the marinara sauce on low heat, the ingredients are able to integrate together and develop richer and deeper flavors. The tomatoes become less acidic as they meld together with garlic, herbs, and spices. 
  • The marinara sauce also reduces and develops even stronger flavors.
  • You can add browned ground beef, Italian sausage, or your favorite type of meat. 
  • You can also add more fresh herbs for more freshness or more red chili flakes for more spice.

Nutrition Information

Calories 50kcal (3%) Carbohydrates 2g (1%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 5g (8%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 3g Sodium 217mg (9%) Potassium 42mg (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 102IU (2%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 7mg (1%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 50

% Daily Value*

Calories 50kcal 3%
Carbohydrates 2g 1%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 5g 8%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 3g 15%
Sodium 217mg 9%
Potassium 42mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 102IU 2%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 7mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.