Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Homemade marinara sauce is a simple and flavorful staple that elevates any Italian dish. Made with fresh ingredients and simmered to perfection, this sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion (finely diced)
• 6 cloves garlic (pressed)
• 29 ounces stewed tomatoes (2 cans)
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (1 large can)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the pressed garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add the stewed tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, chopped fresh parsley, sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
3. Step 3: Bring the sauce to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for 20 to 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if time allows. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Step 4: Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until smooth. For a chunkier texture, skip blending and instead use a wooden spoon to break up larger tomato pieces.
5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm over your favorite pasta or use as desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Use fresh basil instead of dried for a brighter herbal flavor.
• Simmering longer enhances the sauce’s depth and richness.

Storage

Store leftover marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely. If using fresh tomatoes, peel and crush ripe tomatoes before cooking. You may need to simmer longer to achieve the desired thickness.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce uncovered for a longer time to reduce excess liquid. Alternatively, add a spoonful of tomato paste for extra thickness.

Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 58 reviews

• Author: Jack
• Total Time: 40 minutes (up to 2 hours 10 minutes with extended simmer)
• Yield: About 6 cups 1x

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Description

A rich and flavorful homemade marinara sauce made from stewed and crushed tomatoes, sautéed onions and garlic, fresh herbs, and a blend of seasonings. Perfect as a base for pasta dishes, pizzas, or any Italian-inspired meal, this sauce simmers gently to develop its robust taste and can be blended to your preferred consistency.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 6 cloves garlic, pressed
• 29 ounces stewed tomatoes (2 cans)
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (1 large can)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Sauté Onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onions and sauté until they become translucent, signaling they are softened and releasing their sweetness.
2. Add Garlic: Add the pressed garlic to the onions and stir constantly for 30 to 60 seconds to avoid burning and to release its aroma into the oil.
3. Combine Ingredients: Pour in the stewed tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, granulated sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and ground black pepper to evenly distribute the seasonings throughout the sauce.
4. Simmer Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover and let it cook for 20 to 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, you can simmer for up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to blend the flavors well.
5. Blend Sauce: Use an immersion blender to puree the sauce directly in the pot for a smooth texture. If you prefer a chunkier marinara, skip blending and instead use a wooden spoon to break the larger tomato pieces into your desired size.

Notes

• The longer you simmer the sauce, the more developed the flavors will be, but 20-30 minutes is sufficient for a quick, tasty result.
• Adjust the sugar level if your tomatoes are very acidic to achieve a balanced flavor.
• Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried herbs; use about three times the amount by volume if doing so.
• This sauce freezes well for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
• Use a wooden spoon when breaking tomatoes if you want a chunkier texture without pureeing.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes (up to 2 hours if desired)
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: homemade marinara sauce, Italian tomato sauce, marinara recipe, easy pasta sauce, tomato sauce from scratch