Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This homemade marinara sauce is a simple and flavorful base for countless Italian dishes. Made with fresh herbs and quality tomatoes, it simmers gently to develop a rich, balanced taste perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion (finely diced)
• 6 cloves garlic (pressed)
• 29 ounces stewed tomatoes (2 cans)
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (1 large can)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the pressed garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add the stewed tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, chopped parsley, granulated sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
3. Step 3: Cover and simmer the sauce over low heat for 20 to 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Step 4: Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until smooth, or for a chunkier texture, break down the larger tomato pieces gently with a wooden spoon instead of blending.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
• Adding red pepper flakes can give the sauce a subtle heat.
• Fresh basil can be used instead of dried for a brighter, more aromatic flavor.
• Simmering for longer develops richer taste but watch to avoid burning.

Storage

Store the marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, marinara sauce often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce uncovered for a longer time to reduce and thicken it. Alternatively, add a bit more tomato paste before simmering.

Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 58 reviews

This Homemade Marinara Sauce is a rich, flavorful Italian classic made from a blend of stewed and crushed tomatoes simmered with aromatic onions, garlic, fresh herbs, and spices. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for other dishes, it offers a comforting homemade taste with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for extended simmering)
• Total Time: 40 minutes (up to 2 hours 10 minutes)
• Yield: About 6 cups 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

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Vegetables and Herbs

• 1 onion (finely diced)
• 6 cloves garlic (pressed)
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley

Tomato Ingredients

• 29 ounces stewed tomatoes (2 cans)
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (1 large can)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Liquids and Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Sauté onions and garlic: In a large pot or dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onions and cook them until they become translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the pressed garlic and stir for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
2. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer: Pour in the stewed tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, and all seasonings including parsley, sugar, oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together. Cover the pot and let the sauce simmer gently for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a deeper flavor, you can extend the simmer time up to 2 hours.
3. Blend the sauce: Use an immersion blender to carefully blend the sauce until smooth, or leave it chunky if preferred by breaking up the larger tomato pieces with a wooden spoon. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.

Notes

• Simmering the sauce for longer (up to 2 hours) enhances the flavor and thickens the texture.
• Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter taste, adjusting quantities accordingly.
• For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
• The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes but can be omitted for a naturally tangier sauce.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Keywords: marinara sauce, homemade marinara, tomato sauce, Italian sauce, easy marinara, stovetop sauce