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Marinara Sauce

A vibrant Italian tomato sauce made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and olive oil. This versatile sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks and fried appetizers.

40 minEasyServes 885 cal/serving

ItalianSauceStovetopVegetarianVeganStandardLow CarbHalal-friendlyKosher-styleGluten-FreeDairy-FreeNut-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cans canned whole peeled tomatoes (28 oz), crushed by hand
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp granulated sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.

  2. 2

    Add 1 finely diced yellow onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to let the garlic brown.

  4. 4

    Pour in 2 cans crushed by hand canned whole peeled tomatoes (28 oz) with their juices. Add 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp granulated sugar (optional) if using (the sugar helps balance acidity).

  5. 5

    Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 25-30 minutes until slightly thickened.

  6. 6

    Use an immersion blender to puree to desired smoothness, or leave chunky for a more rustic sauce.

  7. 7

    Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves.

  8. 8

    Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.

  9. 9

    Use immediately or cool completely and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Questions

How long does Marinara Sauce keep?

Refrigerated in a sealed jar, it keeps four to five days. It also freezes flat in a bag for up to three months.

Can I halve or double Marinara Sauce?

Yes. As written it serves 8. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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