Making homemade marinara sauce is simple and rewarding. It's a versatile tomato sauce that serves as a base for many Italian dishes. Here's a classic homemade marinara sauce recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes (optional, for chunkier sauce)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1-2 teaspoons sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and slightly golden.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to let it brown.
2. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes (and diced tomatoes if using).
- Stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- If the tomatoes taste too acidic, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of sugar to balance the flavors. This is optional and depends on your personal preference.
3. Simmer the Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- If you like a chunkier sauce, you can skip the blending step below. For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree it right in the pot. Alternatively, let it cool slightly and blend it in a regular blender in batches.
4. Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or dried herbs to suit your taste.
5. Serve:
- Your homemade marinara sauce is ready to use! It's great with pasta, as a pizza sauce, in lasagna, or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese before serving if desired.
This homemade marinara sauce is a delightful addition to your Italian dishes and can be customized to your taste. Enjoy the rich, aromatic flavors of your homemade creation! 🍝🍅🌿