Homemade Marinara Sauce

Learn how to make the best Homemade Marinara Sauce with this quick and easy recipe. Made with fresh garlic, plum tomatoes, and aromatic Italian herbs, this sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, lasagna, and more. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a flavorful, versatile, and healthy alternative to store-bought sauces. Whether you prefer a smooth or chunky texture, this recipe is customizable to suit your tastes. Ideal for busy weeknights or gourmet dinners, this classic marinara sauce will become a staple in your kitchen!

Ingredients

Base Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Tomatoes:

• 28 oz. plum tomatoes

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3-4 tablespoons fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Base: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
2. Blend the Tomatoes: Using an immersion blender, regular blender, or food mill, blend the plum tomatoes until smooth. (For a chunkier sauce, blend less thoroughly.)
3. Combine and Season: Add the blended tomatoes to the saucepan. Stir in the bay leaf, Italian seasoning, fresh parsley, and salt.
4. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Pair with pasta, pizza, or your favorite Italian dishes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, this sauce is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Fresh and Flavorful: Made with simple, wholesome ingredients for a delicious homemade taste.
• Versatile: Works as a base for pasta, pizza, lasagna, and more.
• Customizable: Adjust seasonings and textures to suit your preferences.

Tips

• Use Quality Tomatoes: Opt for high-quality canned or fresh plum tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Control the Texture: Blend the tomatoes to your preferred consistency, from smooth to chunky.
• Fresh Herbs: Add basil or oregano for additional freshness.
• Don’t Skip Simmering: Allowing the sauce to simmer enhances the flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

• Spicy Marinara: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Vegetable Boost: Include finely diced onions, carrots, or celery for extra depth.
• Herb Swap: Use dried parsley or basil if fresh herbs aren’t available (adjust quantities to taste).
• Rich Flavor: Stir in a tablespoon of butter or grated Parmesan for added richness.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes! Marinara sauce stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Blanch and peel fresh tomatoes before blending to replace canned plum tomatoes.

Q: How can I thicken the sauce?
A: Simmer the sauce uncovered for a longer time to reduce and thicken it naturally.

Serving Suggestions

• Toss with spaghetti or penne for a classic pasta dish.
• Use as a base for homemade pizza or baked ziti.
• Serve as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or mozzarella sticks.
• Layer in lasagna or pair with eggplant Parmesan.

Enjoy this simple and flavorful Homemade Marinara Sauce as a staple in your kitchen!