Easy Homemade Marinara - The Best Crushed Tomato Sauce

If you're in search of an easy and authentic Italian flavor, look no further than this Marinara Crushed Tomato Sauce Recipe. This sauce cook combines the richness of San Marzano tomatoes and the aromatic notes of fresh garlic and basil leaves, with a touch of extra virgin olive oil. 

In every bite of this great recipe, you'll experience a burst of deliciousness, and the unique ingredient list will make this sauce stand out from the rest. Whether you're making a favorite pasta, pizza sauce, or sautéed with ground beef, this versatile homemade tomato-based sauce will elevate your creation!

Gather your basic pantry ingredients and follow these simple steps to whip up a batch of your very own quick tomato sauce. The process is straightforward, involving sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil over medium heat before adding crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes for a pinch of heat. Simmering this concoction yields a flavorful and thick sauce that can be stored in an airtight container for later use.

Marinara Crushed Tomato Sauce Recipe

This homemade marinara sauce, using fresh ingredients, beats any jar of store-bought pasta sauce. The addition of Parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar can take it to the next level, creating a savory masterpiece. 

So, whether you're making a quick sauce for your next pasta dish or a slow-cooked, triple batch for a special occasion, this easy recipe promises a tasty and authentic Italian experience. Enjoy the wonderful aroma as you sauté onions and garlic, savor the golden brown color, and relish the rich, thick consistency of your homemade marinara sauce.

Simple Ingredients

Tomatoes (Crushed or Fresh): Tomatoes are the heart of any good marinara sauce. Whether you're using canned crushed tomatoes or fresh tomatoes, they provide the rich, vibrant tomato flavor and a beautiful, natural color. The choice between canned and fresh can impact the sauce's depth and intensity.

Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a luxurious and fruity flavor to the sauce. It also serves as a cooking medium for sautéing the onions and garlic, enhancing their aromatic release.

Onion and Garlic: Onions and garlic provide the foundational savory and aromatic notes of the sauce. Sautéing them in olive oil creates a flavorful base, while not overcooking ensures a balance of flavors without bitterness.

Fresh Basil: Fresh basil leaves, with their herbaceous aroma and slightly peppery taste, elevate the sauce to an authentic Italian level. They provide a fresh and bright contrast to the rich tomato base.

Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat and complexity to the sauce, making it more interesting for those who enjoy a little spiciness in their dishes.

Oregano: Dried or fresh oregano contributes to the herbaceous and earthy flavor of the sauce. It's a staple herb in Italian cooking and adds depth to the overall taste.

Salt and Black Pepper: These seasonings are essential for enhancing and balancing the flavors of the sauce. Proper seasoning is crucial for achieving a well-rounded taste.

Parmesan Cheese (Optional): Grated Parmesan cheese can be used as a garnish to add a salty and savory component to the sauce. It's a classic Italian pairing that enhances the overall umami flavor.

Marinara Crushed Tomato Sauce Recipe

First, put a medium-sized saucepan on the stove at medium-low heat.

• Using a medium-sized saucepan is crucial for even heating and preventing the sauce from sticking to the bottom.
• The choice of medium heat helps you sauté the onions and garlic without burning them.

Add 2-4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.

• Using extra virgin olive oil imparts a rich and authentic Italian flavor to the sauce.
• The range of 2-4 tablespoons allows for customization based on personal taste and dietary preferences.

Dice onions and add to oil, and sauté for five minutes until soft.

• Yellow Onion serves as the flavor base for the sauce, giving it a savory and aromatic quality.
• Sautéing them for exactly five minutes ensures they become soft and translucent without becoming browned.

Next, add garlic, and sauté for about 1 minute until you smell the fragrance.

• Garlic cloves provide a delightful aroma and flavor to the sauce. Be careful not to overcook them to avoid a bitter taste.

Add your canned or homemade crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, oregano, and seasonings.

• Using canned crushed tomatoes is convenient, but using fresh tomatoes can be an excellent choice for a richer and more authentic flavor.
• Adding salt, black pepper, and oregano provides a well-rounded taste.
• Consider using dried oregano if fresh isn't available.

Place the lid on the pan with a 1-inch gap on one side. Simmer partially covered for 15 minutes.

• Partially covering the pan with a 1-inch gap allows steam to escape while preventing splatters.
• Simmering for 15 minutes allows the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.

Stir in chopped fresh basil and remove from heat.

• Using fresh basil leaves at the end adds a burst of fresh, herby flavor to the sauce.
• Removing the sauce from heat helps preserve the freshness of the basil and prevents it from becoming bitter due to overcooking.

Remember, you can adjust the recipe to your taste by including optional ingredients like red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, or even experimenting with balsamic vinegar for a unique twist.

Marinara Recipe Notes

Notes

Tomato Varieties: While the recipe mentions canned crushed tomatoes, consider using San Marzano tomatoes if you want to elevate the sauce's flavor. They are known for their sweet, low-acid content, making them a favorite for authentic Italian sauces.

Fresh vs. Canned Tomatoes: Using fresh tomatoes when they're in season can yield an exceptionally fresh and vibrant sauce. If using whole tomatoes, blanch them in boiling water, peel, and crush them for a unique taste.

Herbs and Spices: For the best results, use fresh herbs when available. Fresh basil, for instance, will impart a more intense flavor compared to dried basil. Experiment with other fresh herbs like oregano and thyme for added complexity. You can also use a couple teaspoons of dried Italian seasoning.

Olive Oil Quality: Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. The quality of the oil can significantly impact the overall taste of your homemade sauce.

Red Pepper Flakes: If you enjoy a bit of heat, don't skip the red pepper flakes. They add a subtle kick to the sauce, enhancing its depth of flavor.

Sautéing Onions: Sauté the onions until they become soft and translucent, not brown. This step creates a flavorful base for the sauce without an overpowering onion taste.

Seasoning: Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Seasoning is a crucial step in achieving a perfectly balanced sauce.

Balsamic Vinegar: As an optional addition, a splash of balsamic vinegar can add a delightful sweetness and depth to the sauce. It's a secret ingredient in many Italian recipes.

Blending: For a smoother and more uniform consistency, you can use an immersion blender or a food processor to blend the sauce, especially if you prefer a smoother texture.

How To Store Leftovers

If you have any leftover sauce, store it for later use in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 week. You can also freeze the homemade marinara sauce in freezer-safe containers for 1 year!

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Sources

https://www.paesana.com/blog/the-story-behind-the-sauce-marinara