Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe with Fresh Tomatoes
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
-
Cook Time
30 mins
-
Total Time
35 mins
-
Servings
4 servings
-
Calories
198 kcal
-
Course
Condiments
-
Cuisine
Italian
Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe with Fresh Tomatoes
Description
This Marinara Sauce recipe begins by cooking finely chopped onions in olive oil until softened, adding minced garlic for a short time to infuse flavor without burning. Fresh, roughly chopped San Marzano, plum, or Roma tomatoes are then added and simmered covered on low heat for about 30 minutes with occasional stirring, allowing the tomatoes to release their juices and soften.
After cooking, the sauce is blended to the desired consistency, smooth or chunky, using an immersion or regular blender. Fresh basil leaves are stirred in during the final five minutes of cooking to infuse the sauce with herbal freshness. Optionally, tomato paste and sugar may be added to thicken the sauce and balance acidity if the tomatoes are too tart.
The resulting sauce has a rich texture with the sweetness and acidity of ripe tomatoes balanced by aromatic basil and the depth from slow cooking onions and garlic. It is versatile as a base for pasta dishes or other recipes requiring tomato sauce.
Fresh quality tomatoes and good olive oil contribute greatly to flavor. The sauce can be cooled and stored refrigerated up to a week or frozen for longer preservation. Adjust salt carefully, especially if using ingredients that contain sodium. Simmering allows flavors to meld and develop complexity.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds tomato San Marzano, plum, or Roma tomatoes work well, roughly chopped, fresh
- ¼ cup olive oil good quality
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic minced (optional, fresh cloves
- ½ cup basil roughly chopped, fresh leaves
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional, to balance acidity
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
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
- Use ripe, high-quality plum or Roma tomatoes for a thicker, flavorful sauce.
- Fresh basil leaves provide optimal flavor; avoid dried basil in this recipe.
- Simmer slowly on low heat to deepen the flavor and meld ingredients.
- Add sugar cautiously to balance acidity if tomatoes are too tart.
- Adjust salt carefully, considering the salt content of canned tomato paste if used.
- Use good quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance richness.
- Store sauce in airtight containers; refrigerate up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition 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% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
