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Marinara Sauce

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This authentic Italian marinara sauce recipe features canned San Marzano tomatoes, fresh garlic, basil, and simple pantry staples to create a rich, flavorful sauce perfect for pasta, pizza, dipping, and more. Easy to make and customizable, it offers a fresh, natural, and vibrant tomato flavor with an aromatic herb finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 28 oz canned San Marzano tomatoes (crushed by hand or lightly blended)
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 fresh garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 8–10 fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat in a large pan. Add finely chopped onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent and soft. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes without browning to avoid bitterness.
  2. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the canned San Marzano tomatoes (crushed or lightly blended). Stir in salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  3. Simmer and Reduce: Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer concentrates the flavors and thickens the sauce naturally.
  4. Add Fresh Basil: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, tear fresh basil leaves and stir them into the sauce to infuse fresh herbal aroma.
  5. Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. Optionally, add a pinch of sugar or extra salt to balance acidity and sweetness.

Notes

  • Use high-quality canned San Marzano or plum tomatoes for best flavor.
  • Simmer the sauce slowly over low heat to meld flavors without burning garlic or onion.
  • Add fresh basil at the end to preserve its fragrance and prevent bitterness.
  • If the sauce is too thin, continue simmering to thicken; if too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
  • Use a wide pan to help the sauce reduce faster and develop deeper flavors.
  • This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten free.

Nutrition

Keywords: marinara sauce, Italian sauce, tomato sauce, homemade marinara, vegan sauce, gluten free sauce, pasta sauce

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/marinara-sauce/