Imagine the rich, aromatic scent of a homemade marinara sauce wafting through your kitchen, transporting you straight to a cozy Italian trattoria. Making Marinara from Scratch is not just a recipe; it’s an experience that elevates your pasta dishes to a whole new level! With just a handful of simple ingredients and a mere 25 minutes of your time, you can create a sauce that bursts with fresh flavors and authenticity. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy yet delectable recipe that will have them asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until it shimmers and becomes fragrant.
- Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent garlic from browning, which can make it bitter.
- Open the can of whole peeled tomatoes and crush them by hand directly into the pan, including their juices. Use a wooden spoon to break down larger tomato pieces.
- Stir in sugar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or oregano to suit your preference.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Use immediately with pasta, or let cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor. San Marzano tomatoes are a fantastic choice if you can find them!
- Don’t Rush the Onions: Sauté the onions until they are translucent; this step is crucial for building a rich flavor base for your sauce.
- Crush the Tomatoes by Hand: Crushing the tomatoes by hand gives a more rustic texture to the sauce, making it feel homemade and heartwarming.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: After simmering, taste your sauce and don’t hesitate to tweak the seasonings. A pinch more sugar can balance acidity, while extra oregano can enhance the herbal notes.
- Let it Rest: Allow the sauce to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully, creating a more harmonious dish.
- Store for Later: If you have leftovers, let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 119kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 2g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
