The Only Marinara Sauce You Need — Made from Canned Tomatoes
A fast, deeply flavored marinara that proves good canned tomatoes make a better sauce than anything in a jar.
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
- Kosher salt
- 2-3 finely chopped or grated garlic cloves
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 2 28-ounce cans whole peeled tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
- ½-1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional
- ¼ cup sliced fresh basil
Instructions
- Put 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and ½ cup finely chopped 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 2-3 finely chopped or grated garlic cloves and cook a few seconds, until fragrant. If using crushed red pepper, stir it in.
- Stir in 2 28-ounce cans whole peeled 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.
Nutrition
Calories: 61kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSodium: 1mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g
