Homemade Marinara Sauce

Learn how to make the best Homemade Marinara Sauce with simple pantry staple ingredients. This sauce is perfect for a variety of dishes, from spaghetti to pizza. Its vibrant flavor and freshness set it apart from store-bought versions. Plus, you can easily adjust the recipe for different occasions, whether for a cozy family dinner or a lively gathering with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This sauce comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
• Fresh Flavor: Using fresh ingredients like garlic and basil gives this marinara sauce an unbeatable taste that elevates any dish.
• Versatile Use: You can use this homemade marinara sauce in pasta, as a pizza base, or even as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh tomatoes and herbs, this sauce is not only delicious but also nutritious.
• Make Ahead: Prepare extra batches and store them for later use; the flavors deepen over time.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your Homemade Marinara Sauce, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium saucepan: Ideal for simmering sauces; it distributes heat evenly for consistent cooking.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware and helps prevent sticking.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for balanced flavor.

Ingredients

Learn how to make the best Homemade Marinara Sauce with simple pantry staple ingredients – tomatoes, onions, garlic, oregano, and basil. You can use homemade marinara sauce in any recipe that calls for Marinara. It also keeps well if you want to save leftovers or make a bigger batch.

For the Sauce:

• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 medium yellow onion (1/2 cup chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves (finely minced)
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 Tbsp fresh basil (or parsley, finely minced, plus more to garnish)

How to Make Homemade Marinara Sauce

Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil

1. Place a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add 2 Tbsp of olive oil into the pan.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

1. Once the oil is hot, add 1/2 cup chopped onion.
2. Stir often until soft and golden (about 5 minutes).
3. Add minced garlic and stir for 1 minute or until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Tomatoes and Seasonings

1. Stir in 28 oz crushed tomatoes along with 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper.
2. Bring to a light boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer partially covered for about 15 minutes.

Step 4: Finish with Fresh Basil

1. Finally, stir in 1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil.
2. Turn off the heat once combined well.

Now you have a flavorful batch of Homemade Marinara Sauce ready to enhance your meals! Enjoy it fresh or store it for later use.

How to Serve Homemade Marinara Sauce

Homemade Marinara Sauce is versatile and can elevate many dishes. Here are some delightful ways to serve it, ensuring your meal is both delicious and satisfying.

With Pasta

• Spaghetti: Toss with freshly cooked spaghetti for a classic Italian dish.
• Penne: Use penne for a heartier option; the sauce clings beautifully to the pasta.
• Fettuccine: Pair with fettuccine for a smooth and creamy texture.

As a Pizza Base

• Traditional Pizza: Spread a generous layer on your pizza dough before adding toppings.
• Flatbreads: Use as a sauce base for homemade flatbreads topped with cheese and veggies.

In Dipping Sauces

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm marinara as a dip for garlic bread sticks.
• Mozzarella Sticks: Use it as a side for crispy mozzarella sticks for added flavor.

With Meat Dishes

• Meatballs: Combine with meatballs for a comforting classic.
• Chicken Parmesan: Top breaded chicken cutlets with marinara and cheese.

In Casseroles

• Baked Ziti: Mix with ziti pasta, cheese, and bake until bubbly for an easy casserole.
• Lasagna: Layer between sheets of pasta in lasagna for extra flavor.

How to Perfect Homemade Marinara Sauce

Perfecting your Homemade Marinara Sauce can elevate its flavor profile. Here are some tips to enhance your sauce-making skills:

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh tomatoes or herbs will give your sauce brighter flavors compared to canned counterparts.
• Don’t rush the cooking: Simmering allows flavors to meld together, resulting in a richer taste.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs according to your preference.
• Experiment with spices: Adding red pepper flakes or bay leaves can introduce an exciting depth of flavor.
• Finish with olive oil: Drizzling a little extra virgin olive oil before serving can enhance richness and smoothness.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Marinara Sauce

Pairing side dishes with your Homemade Marinara Sauce can make your meal complete. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread – Crispy bread topped with garlic butter is perfect for dipping into marinara.
2. Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing complement.
3. Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil pairs wonderfully.
4. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted until tender add color and nutrition to your plate.
5. Risotto – Creamy risotto provides a rich contrast to the tanginess of marinara.
6. Stuffed Peppers – Fill peppers with rice, cheese, and herbs alongside marinara sauce for added flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Marinara Sauce is easy, but certain mistakes can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

• Ignoring the onions: Cooking the onions until they are soft and golden enhances the sauce’s flavor. Don’t rush this step.
• Overcooking garlic: Garlic burns quickly and can turn bitter. Add it only after the onions have softened and stir for just one minute.
• Using low-quality tomatoes: The quality of your crushed tomatoes significantly impacts your sauce. Choose high-quality canned tomatoes for the best results.
• Neglecting seasoning: A pinch of salt and pepper can elevate your sauce. Taste as you go to ensure proper seasoning.
• Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh basil adds a wonderful aroma and brightness. Always add it at the end to maintain its fresh flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Homemade marinara sauce lasts up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Homemade Marinara Sauce

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Marinara sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months for best flavor.

Reheating Homemade Marinara Sauce

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place sauce in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer sauce to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour sauce into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Homemade Marinara Sauce.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Blanch them first, remove the skins, and crush them before adding them to your recipe.

How can I make my Homemade Marinara Sauce spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper during cooking to spice up your marinara sauce.

What dishes can I use Homemade Marinara Sauce in?

Homemade marinara is versatile; use it in pasta dishes, pizza, or as a dip for breadsticks.

Is there a gluten-free option for pasta with Homemade Marinara Sauce?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta varieties available in stores or online.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Marinara Sauce is not only simple to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different herbs or spices based on your preferences. Whether you’re using it on pasta or pizza, this sauce will surely impress!