Really Quick Homemade Marinara Sauce
This is the only marinara sauce you need! My recipe makes a batch of basic, fresh-tasting homemade marinara sauce any time of year using canned tomatoes, garlic, onion and basil, and it doesn't need to cook for hours. This an essential pasta sauce, and will keep refrigerated or frozen.
Ingredients
Yield: 5 cups sauce, enough for 2-3 pounds pasta
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup finely chopped onion about ½ of a medium-large onion
- 2-3 garlic cloves finely chopped or grated on a rasp grater
- 2 28-ounce (793 g each) cans crushed tomatoes or chopped tomatoes *see note
- Kosher salt
- ½-1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional
- ¼ cup sliced fresh basil
Instructions
- Put the oil and onion in a large saucepan or Dutch oven and place over medium-low heat. Stir in a pinch of salt to encourage the onion to release liquid.
- Cover the pan and cook gently until softened, 5-7 minutes — the steam created in the covered pot helps this process go a bit quicker. Stir in the garlic and cook a few seconds, until fragrant. If using crushed red pepper, stir it in.
- Stir in the tomatoes, 1-½ teaspoons salt, pepper and sugar (if using) to the pot. Bring to a simmer. Cook 15-20 minutes. The sauce will bubble up as it simmers. Partially cover the pot to keep it from splashing on your cooktop.
- Taste the sauce for seasoning (I usually add about another ½ teaspoon of salt) and stir in the basil.
Video
Notes
- The sauce keeps refrigerated up to one week and frozen up to 2 months in leakproof containers.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, swap out the tomatoes for finely chopped tomatoes or tomato puree. You can also use a handheld stick blender to create your desired consistency.
- Optional seasonings: Add about 1 teaspoon dried oregano and crushed red pepper to taste for that classic Italian restaurant aroma and zest. Butter isn't traditional, but it adds a rich flavor. Stir in a tablespoon or two into the hot sauce until it melts.
- Serve with homemade Classic Italian Meatballs!
Nutrition
Calories: 61kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSodium: 1mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g
