Marinara sauce is the quintessential Italian condiment, serving as the backbone for countless dishes, from pasta to pizzas. Today, we’re diving into the Easiest Homemade Marinara Sauce recipe that blends convenience with fantastic flavors. Whether you’re a busy parent scrambling for a dinner solution or a culinary novice looking to impress, this recipe will tick all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love Easiest Homemade Marinara Sauce
Cooking homemade marinara sauce can seem daunting, but this recipe simplifies it in a way that even the busiest families can enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal.
Perfect for Families: Quick and Delicious
The Easiest Homemade Marinara Sauce is your go-to for weeknight dinners. It takes about 30 minutes from prep to plate, making it an accessible option for families. Plus, it’s packed with flavor even though it’s simple to prepare!
Nutritional Benefits and Simple Ingredients
One of the greatest advantages of this marinara sauce is its nutritional profile. You’re concentrating on whole ingredients without any preservatives, making it a healthier option than store-bought alternatives. Packed with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, it’s rich in vitamins A and C.
Flexible and Budget-Friendly
Another benefit is its versatility. This marinara sauce can easily adjust to different dietary needs and personal preferences, whether you’re vegetarian, gluten-free, or simply watching your budget. The basic ingredients are affordable and commonly found in most kitchens.
Essential Ingredients for the Recipe
Before we whip up this delightful sauce, let’s gather our essential ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Main Ingredient 1: Olive Oil
Olive oil not only adds richness but it’s also a heart-healthy fat. If you need alternatives, you might consider avocado oil or even coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
Main Ingredient 2: Tomatoes
The star players in marinara: tomatoes! You can opt for fresh tomatoes in season instead of canned, or for a punch of flavor, use fire-roasted tomatoes.
Main Ingredient 3: Garlic
Garlic infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic essence. Fresh garlic is best, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can suffice. Remember to adjust the quantity as it possesses a concentrated flavor.
Ingredient Preparation
To get started on our Easiest Homemade Marinara Sauce, let’s focus on preparing our ingredients.
Step 1 – Dice the Onion
Begin by dicing the yellow onion. Use a sharp knife for even pieces, which will help them sauté evenly.
Step 2 – Mince the Garlic
Peel your garlic cloves and mince them finely. If you have a garlic press, this can save you significant time.
Step 3 – Gather Everything
Gather all the ingredients on your kitchen counter for efficiency. This prep step will make the cooking process seamless.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Let’s get cooking!
Step 1 – Initial Preparation
Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Pour in your olive oil, and let it warm for about a minute.
Step 2 – Ingredient Assembly
Add your diced onions to the pan first; sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3 – Cooking and Finishing Touches
Add the stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, sugar, and chicken broth or water to the saucepan. Stir to combine. Let it simmer gently for 20 minutes, occasionally stirring. The sauce should thicken slightly and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
Tips for an Even Tastier Version
Want to take your marinara to the next level? Here are a few additional suggestions!
Adding Extra Ingredients
Consider tossing in chopped bell peppers, olives, or even mushrooms to add extra flavor and texture. A splash of red wine can also enhance the sauce dramatically.
Techniques to Enhance Flavor
Cooking your garlic until it’s just golden rather than brown will achieve a more delicate flavor. Additionally, if you choose to use fresh herbs—like basil or parsley—add them at the end of cooking for a burst of freshness.
Adjustments for Preferences
If you’re catering to dietary restrictions, you can easily omit the sugar for a low-carb option or swap with natural sweeteners. Explore the flavors of different Italian seasonings based on your taste preferences!
Recipe Variations and Adaptations
One of the best features of marinara sauce is its adaptability.
Vegetarian Option
For a hearty vegetarian meal, try adding lentils or chickpeas for protein.
Gluten-Free or Low-Carb Option
To keep it gluten-free, ensure you’re using gluten-free pasta or serve the sauce over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Other Adaptations
Feel free to adjust the herbs used in the recipe based on what you have available or what season it is. You can even add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
Serving Suggestions
Your homemade marinara will shine when paired with the right accompaniments.
Salad or Soup Ideas
A simple mixed greens salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette makes for a refreshing starter.
Hearty Sides
Homemade garlic bread or roasted vegetables can complement your marinara sauce beautifully, and they’re easy to prepare.
Drink Recommendations
Pair this sauce with a light red wine like Chianti, or opt for a refreshing sparkling water with lemon for a non-alcoholic choice.
Storage and Reheating Tips
What happens if you have leftovers? Here’s how to manage them!
How to Store Leftovers
Once cooled, pour any leftover sauce into airtight containers. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to a week or can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Techniques
For reheating, the stovetop works best. Simply heat gently in a saucepan, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick. The microwave is another quick option for single servings.
Portioning Tips
Using an ice cube tray to freeze small quantities is great for meal prep! You can pop out a cube whenever you need a quick sauce boost.
Nutritional Information and Benefits
Let’s take a moment to celebrate this sauce’s goodness.
Nutritional Values per Serving
An average serving (1/2 cup) of marinara sauce has about 100 calories, 1 gram of protein, and is rich in antioxidants.
Ingredient Benefits
Tomatoes are high in lycopene, which is thought to help reduce the risk of certain diseases. Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties.
Recommended Portions
Generally, aim for about 1/2 to 1 cup of sauce per serving of pasta for a balanced meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best cooks can run into mishaps! Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Issue 1 – Overcooked Garlic
Garlic can burn easily. If it turns too brown, it’ll taste bitter. Always add garlic toward the end of the onion sautéing process.
Issue 2 – Too Much Sugar
Start with smaller amounts of sugar if you’re experimenting. It’s best to balance acidity with sugar incrementally.
Issue 3 – Uneven Cooking
Make sure to stir occasionally; this prevents sticking and ensures even heat distribution throughout your sauce.
Inspiring Conclusion
The Easiest Homemade Marinara Sauce epitomizes comfort food—a perfect blend of simplicity, flavor, and nourishment. Take this opportunity to make it your own, and don’t be afraid to incorporate different flavors or ingredients. Gather your loved ones in the kitchen; after all, cooking is about sharing experiences as much as it is about creating delicious food. We can’t wait to hear how your marinara adventure turns out!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can make the sauce a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and reheat before serving. - What are the best substitutes for olive oil?
Options include avocado oil, sesame oil, or canola oil. - Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes are delicious when fully ripe; just be sure to peel and chop them first. - How long can I store the sauce?
In the fridge, it lasts about a week; frozen, it can stay fresh for three months. - Can I omit the sugar?
Yes, simply replace it with additional herbs if you prefer. - Is this sauce suitable for vegans?
Definitely! All the ingredients are plant-based. - What can I add for a spicier sauce?
A pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick! - Is it possible to double the recipe?
Yes, it can easily be scaled up for larger gatherings. - How thick should the sauce be?
It should have a nice, spreadable consistency, while not too runny. - Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, it’s a great way to save any extra sauce for future meals.
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The Easiest Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 cups 1x
Description
A simple, flavorful marinara sauce made with just a few ingredients in under 30 minutes. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it brown).
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring to combine.
- Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- Let sauce simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Stir in fresh basil just before serving.
- Use immediately or store for later use.
Notes
- For smoother sauce, blend with immersion blender before serving.
- Can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for 3 months.
- Add 1/2 cup red wine with the tomatoes for deeper flavor.
- Substitute 1 tbsp Italian seasoning for individual dried herbs.
- For meat version, brown 1/2 lb ground beef or Italian sausage before adding garlic.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg