Are you dreaming of a truly authentic Italian meal? Look no further! This simple yet incredibly flavorful San Marzano marinara sauce recipe will transport your taste buds straight to Italy. Forget jarred sauces – making your own marinara is surprisingly easy and infinitely more rewarding. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a quick dinner solution without compromising on taste or quality. It’s a healthy meal, packed with flavor and perfect for pasta, pizza, or even as a dip for crusty bread. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this best recipe for a classic Italian staple.
Ingredients for the Best Homemade Marinara Sauce
This recipe uses San Marzano tomatoes, known for their sweetness and low acidity, resulting in a superior marinara.
- 28 ounces (794g) San Marzano tomatoes, canned, whole peeled
- 1/2 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Easy Marinara Sauce
This easy recipe guides you through creating a delicious marinara sauce. Let's get cooking!
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add the canned San Marzano tomatoes to the saucepan. Using your hands, gently crush the tomatoes in the pot. Stir in the dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
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Simmer to Perfection: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become.
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Blend (Optional): If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the sauce to your desired consistency. Alternatively, carefully transfer the sauce to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
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Serve and Enjoy: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. This marinara sauce is delightful over your favorite pasta, as a pizza sauce, or simply served with crusty bread for dipping.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Marinara
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Using high-quality San Marzano tomatoes is key to achieving the best flavor.
- Don't Rush the Simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer for a longer period develops a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs, spices, and salt to your preference.
- Make it Ahead: This marinara sauce tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for longer storage.
Delicious Variations of this Marinara Recipe
- Spicy Marinara: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Herby Marinara: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley along with the basil and oregano.
- Mushroom Marinara: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for an earthy twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 100-150 calories
- Fat: 5-8 grams
- Protein: 2-3 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
This marinara sauce recipe is a staple in my kitchen, a simple and delicious way to elevate any pasta dish. Enjoy the wonderful aroma and delicious taste of homemade Italian food!