Easy and Delicious Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe

Are you tired of buying pre-made marinara sauce from the grocery store? Making your own marinara sauce at home is surprisingly easy and can save you money in the long run. Plus, a homemade sauce always tastes better than store-bought. In this article, we will walk you through the steps of making your very own marinara sauce from scratch in a relaxed, easy-to-understand language.

Firstly, let’s go over the ingredients. You will need canned tomatoes, garlic, onion, olive oil, salt, and dried herbs. You can also add fresh basil or red pepper flakes for extra flavor if you’d like. Once you have gathered your ingredients, start by heating the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Then add in the canned tomatoes, salt, and dried herbs. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. And there you have it, a delicious homemade marinara sauce that’s perfect for pizza, pasta, or as a dipping sauce.

Ingredients

When it comes to making marinara sauce, the ingredients are crucial to ensuring that you end up with a tasty and vibrant sauce. Here are the key ingredients you’ll need:

Canned tomatoes

Canned tomatoes are the heart of the marinara sauce. They are readily available in most grocery stores and come in different varieties, including crushed, whole, and pureed. Opt for canned tomatoes that are of good quality and free from additives, preservatives, and added sugar.

Olive oil

Olive oil is used to sauté garlic and onions, which add flavour to the sauce. Choose high-quality, extra-virgin olive oil, which has a rich and fruity flavour.

Garlic

Garlic is an essential ingredient in marinara sauce. It gives the sauce a rich and pungent flavour. You can use fresh garlic cloves or garlic powder if that’s what you have on hand.

Onion

Onion is another key ingredient in marinara sauce. It adds sweetness and depth to the sauce. You can use either yellow or white onions.

Basil

Basil is a fragrant herb that adds freshness and a touch of sweetness to the sauce. You can use either fresh or dried basil, depending on your preference.

Oregano

Oregano is another herb commonly used in marinara sauce. It has a robust flavour that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Salt and pepper

Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the marinara sauce. Make sure to taste the sauce as you go along and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Sugar

Sugar is not a traditional ingredient in marinara sauce, but it can be used to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Use a small amount of sugar to taste.

Red pepper flakes

Red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce for a bit of heat. Use as much or as little as you like, depending on your tolerance for spice.

Wine

Wine is an optional ingredient that can add complexity and depth to the marinara sauce. Red wine is commonly used, but you can also use white wine if that’s what you have on hand.

Conclusion

With these ingredients at hand, you are ready to create a perfect marinara sauce. Keep in mind that the ingredients can be adjusted to your taste, so feel free to experiment with the ratios until you find a flavour that you love. In the next section, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making marinara sauce.

Ingredients for Marinara Sauce

To make a delicious Marinara sauce, you need to have all the right ingredients. The good news is that you can easily find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store or supermarket. Below are some of the essential ingredients for making Marinara Sauce:

1. Tomatoes

The key ingredient in making Marinara sauce is tomatoes. You can use fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes, or tomato paste. If using fresh tomatoes, choose ripe and juicy ones. Plum tomatoes are especially suited for making Marinara sauce as they have more flesh and less water. Canned tomatoes or tomato paste can be used if fresh tomatoes are not available.

2. Olive Oil

Olive oil is an excellent ingredient for making Marinara sauce, which adds flavor and richness to the dish. Extra-virgin olive oil is preferred as it has a richer flavor and aroma. However, you can use any vegetable oil if you do not have olive oil.

3. Garlic

Garlic has a distinctive flavor, and it’s a must-have ingredient in making Marinara sauce. You can use fresh garlic or garlic paste. If using fresh garlic, mince it finely to release its flavor.

4. Onion

Onions are another essential ingredient that adds flavor to the Marinara sauce. You can use any type of onion, including white, yellow, red, or shallots. Dice the onions finely before adding them to the sauce.

5. Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper are essential to add flavor to any dish, including Marinara sauce. Use kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor. Freshly ground black pepper is preferred as it has a fresher taste.

6. Herbs and Spices

Herbs and spices add depth and complexity to the Marinara sauce. You can use any herbs and spices of your choice, including bay leaves, oregano, thyme, basil, parsley, or rosemary. Dried herbs can also be used.

7. Sugar

Adding a pinch of sugar helps to balance the acidic taste of the tomatoes. You can use white sugar, brown sugar, or honey.

8. Water or Broth

Adding water or broth helps to thin out the Marinara sauce and makes it lighter. You can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water.

9. Wine

Wine adds a complex flavor to the Marinara sauce. Choose any wine of your choice, including red or white wine. However, do not use too much wine as it can overpower the other flavors.

10. Cheese

Cheese is an optional ingredient in making Marinara sauce. However, it adds richness and depth to the sauce. You can use any cheese of your choice, including Parmesan or mozzarella cheese. Grate the cheese finely before using it.

Conclusion

These are the essential ingredients you need to make Marinara sauce. Make sure to choose ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs and spices, and high-quality cheese and oil. Once you have all the ingredients, you can start preparing the sauce. In the next section, we will discuss the steps on how to make Marinara sauce.

Ingredients for Marinara Sauce

When it comes to making marinara sauce, the quality and choice of ingredients are important to ensure a rich and flavorful sauce. Here are some of the key ingredients you’ll need to prepare a delicious marinara sauce:

Steps to Make Marinara Sauce

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to make the marinara sauce. Here are the steps involved in making this savory sauce:

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

If you’re using fresh tomatoes, blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then peel off the skin. Cut the tomatoes into small pieces and set aside. Alternatively, you can use canned tomatoes, which are already peeled and chopped.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Onions

In a large saucepan or skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onions and cook until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant, which takes about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes

Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet and stir. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down and the sauce has thickened.

Step 4: Add the Herbs, Salt, and Sugar

Add the dried or fresh herbs to the sauce and stir. Sprinkle some salt and sugar into the mixture and stir again. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Blend the Sauce (Optional)

If you want a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender and blend until it reaches your desired consistency.

That’s it! Your homemade marinara sauce is ready to use. You can use it as a topping for pasta dishes, as a dip for bread, or as a flavorful base for other recipes.

Time to get saucy!

I hope you enjoyed learning how to make marinara sauce in your own kitchen. Remember, you can always add your own twist to this classic recipe and make it even more delicious. Thanks for reading, and I can’t wait for you to come back for more recipes soon! Until then, keep cooking and enjoying food that makes you happy.