Description
This Best Marinara Sauce Yet is a classic, flavorful Italian tomato sauce made from simple ingredients like crushed tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for various dishes, this sauce simmers gently to develop rich, deep flavors with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinara Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (28 oz / 800g) crushed tomatoes (San Marzano if possible)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar (cuts acidity)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (optional, for finish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté onions: Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until they soften and turn translucent, developing sweetness.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook tomato paste: Add the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor foundation of the sauce.
- Add crushed tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Season the sauce: Mix in sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, chili flakes if using, and black pepper to taste, balancing flavor and acidity.
- Simmer sauce: Let the sauce simmer uncovered on low to medium heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce and modify seasoning as needed to suit your preference.
- Finish with fresh basil: Stir in fresh basil leaves at the very end for a bright, herbaceous note if available.
Notes
- San Marzano tomatoes provide a sweeter and less acidic flavor but any good quality crushed tomatoes work well.
- Simmering uncovered allows the sauce to thicken naturally as water evaporates.
- Adjust chili flakes to taste for desired spice level or omit for a mild sauce.
- Fresh basil added at the end preserves its bright flavor and aroma.
- This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
