Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Homemade marinara sauce is a simple, flavorful staple that elevates any pasta dish. Made with fresh ingredients and easy steps, this classic Italian sauce brings rich tomato goodness to your table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz. plum tomatoes
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3-4 tablespoons fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Blend the plum tomatoes using an immersion blender, regular blender, or food mill until smooth.
- Step 3: Add the blended tomatoes, bay leaf, Italian seasoning, parsley, and salt to the saucepan. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
- Step 4: Simmer the sauce gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and flavorful. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a deeper flavor, sauté a small chopped onion along with the garlic in Step 1.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
- Substitute fresh basil for parsley for a classic twist.
- Use crushed canned tomatoes if plum tomatoes aren’t available.
Storage
Store leftover marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally. This sauce can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned plum tomatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh ripe tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and seed them before blending to achieve a smooth sauce.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce longer until it reduces to your desired consistency, or add a small amount of tomato paste during cooking.
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Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 3 cups 1x
Description
This homemade marinara sauce recipe is a simple and flavorful Italian classic made with fresh ingredients including garlic, plum tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Perfect as a base for pasta dishes, pizzas, or as a dipping sauce, it is easy to prepare on the stovetop and can be customized with your favorite herbs and seasonings.
Ingredients
Marinara Sauce Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 28 oz. plum tomatoes
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3–4 tablespoons fresh parsley (roughly chopped)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat to prepare it for sautéing the garlic, which releases its aroma and flavor.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the heated olive oil and cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and infuse the oil with garlic flavor.
- Blend Tomatoes: While the garlic is cooking, blend the plum tomatoes until smooth using an immersion blender, regular blender, or food mill to create a fresh tomato base for the sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the blended tomatoes, bay leaf, Italian seasoning, salt, and roughly chopped fresh parsley to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently on low to medium heat for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly, making it ready to serve.
Notes
- You can adjust the seasoning to taste by adding more salt or herbs if desired.
- For a richer sauce, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of red wine during simmering.
- The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Use fresh parsley as a garnish or substitute with basil for a different herbal note.
- Make sure not to overcook the garlic during sautéing to avoid bitterness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: marinara sauce, homemade tomato sauce, Italian sauce, easy marinara, stovetop sauce, pasta sauce, garlic tomato sauce
