Best Homemade Marinara Sauce

Homemade marinara sauce in a large pot stirring with a spoon.

4.86 from 7 votes

Get ready to enjoy the Best Homemade Marinara Sauce in just 30 minutes with 8 simple ingredients. This rich and flavorful sauce is perfect for pasta and more. Don't miss this easy and delicious recipe!

Prep Time5

Cook Time25

Total Time30

Course: Kitchen Basics

Cuisine: Italian

Diet: Vegan

Servings: cups (720 milliliters)

Calories: 97kcal

Author: Iosune

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
4 cloves garlic minced
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste optional
1 tablespoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Heat oil over medium heat in a medium pot. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste (if using), dried oregano, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. If you prefer a smoother sauce, let it cool slightly and then blend it with a high-speed or an immersion blender until it reaches your desired consistency.

Notes

Use a Wooden Spoon: Stir your sauce with a wooden spoon. It won't react with the acidity of the tomatoes like metal can, which helps maintain the sauce's pure flavor.
Simmer Low and Slow: Allow the sauce to simmer gently. While the recipe calls for a 15-minute simmer, if you have more time, let it simmer longer for even richer flavors.
Add a Pinch of Sugar: If your sauce tastes too acidic, add a pinch of sugar. This balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the overall flavor.
Adjust Consistency: For a chunkier sauce, mash the tomatoes slightly. For a smoother sauce, blend it until you reach your desired consistency. Or, leave it as is!
Let It Rest: Let the sauce sit for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together even more and gives a richer taste when served.

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