Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe with Fresh Tomatoes

Name: Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe with Fresh Tomatoes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 pounds fresh tomatoes; ¼ cup good quality olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion; 2 fresh garlic cloves; ½ cup fresh basil leaves; 1 teaspoon sugar; salt and black pepper to taste

User Reviews

5.0

24 reviews

Excellent

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings
4 servings
Calories
198 kcal
Course
Condiments
Cuisine
Italian

Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe with Fresh Tomatoes

Kristin Morrison

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Indulge in the essence of summer with this tantalizing homemade marinara sauce, bursting with the vibrant flavors of sun-ripened tomatoes, good olive oil, and fragrant basil. This fresh and easy-to-make recipe will elevate your pasta dishes to a whole new level of deliciousness!

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Ingredients

Servings

3 pounds fresh tomatoes San Marzano, plum, or Roma tomatoes work well, roughly chopped
¼ cup good quality olive oil
1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
2 fresh garlic cloves minced (optional)
½ cup fresh basil leaves roughly chopped
1 teaspoon sugar optional, to balance acidity
salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the Onion and Garlic: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large saucepan or pot. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic (if used) and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the Tomatoes and Cook: Add the chopped fresh tomatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Blend: Use an immersion blender or regular blender. Blend until desired thickness (chunky or smooth). Be careful when blending hot liquids.
Add Basil: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the fresh basil and stir to combine.
Optional: Thicken the Sauce. After the tomatoes have cooked down and released their juices, stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and sugar (if using). The tomato paste will add richness and depth to the sauce. Continue to cook the sauce uncovered for another 10 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Season and Finish: Taste the sauce and add salt and black pepper according to your preference. If it's too acidic, you can add a bit more sugar.
Serving Suggestions: Use the marinara sauce immediately or let it cool before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It also freezes well, so you can make a larger batch and keep some for future use.
This versatile marinara sauce with fresh tomatoes is great for various dishes, including pasta dishes, pizza sauce, and more. Enjoy your homemade marinara sauce with the delightful taste of fresh tomatoes!

Notes

Quality of Tomatoes: Use ripe, high-quality tomatoes for the best results. Plum or Roma tomatoes are ideal for their sweet and less watery flesh, which results in a thicker and more flavorful sauce.
Basil Freshness: Since basil is a key flavor in this recipe, use fresh basil leaves for the best taste. Avoid using dried basil, as it won’t provide the same level of freshness.
Slow Cooking: Let the sauce simmer on low heat for an extended period, allowing the flavors to meld together. Slow cooking brings out the best taste in tomatoes and creates a rich and flavorful sauce.
Balance the Acidity: If your tomatoes are too acidic, you can add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavors. Taste the sauce before adding the sugar, as it may not always be necessary, especially if you’re using very sweet tomatoes.
Texture Preference: Decide on your preferred texture—whether you like a smooth sauce or a chunky one. You can either use an immersion blender to puree the sauce partially or leave it as is for a more rustic feel.
Salt Wisely: Be mindful of the salt you add, especially if you’re using canned tomatoes or store-bought tomato paste, as they may already contain salt. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to avoid an overly salty sauce.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Opt for good quality extra virgin olive oil, as it adds richness and enhances the overall flavor of the sauce.
Storage: Allow the sauce to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for longer storage. The sauce tends to taste even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld.

Nutrition Information

Show Details

Calories 198kcal (10%) Carbohydrates 17g (6%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 14g (22%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 10g Sodium 19mg (1%) Potassium 861mg (25%) Fiber 5g (20%) Sugar 11g (22%) Vitamin A 2993IU (60%) Vitamin C 50mg (56%) Calcium 49mg (5%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 198 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories	198kcal	10%
Carbohydrates	17g	6%
Protein	3g	6%
Fat	14g	22%
Saturated Fat	2g	10%
Polyunsaturated Fat	2g	12%
Monounsaturated Fat	10g	50%
Sodium	19mg	1%
Potassium	861mg	18%
Fiber	5g	20%
Sugar	11g	22%
Vitamin A	2993IU	60%
Vitamin C	50mg	56%
Calcium	49mg	5%
Iron	1mg	6%