Description
This Best Marinara Sauce Yet is a simple, flavorful Italian-inspired tomato sauce made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, onion, and a blend of herbs. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for many dishes, it’s simmered to a rich, thick consistency that highlights the fresh and savory flavors.
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: Warm the olive oil in a pan over medium heat until it shimmers, preparing it for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté the onions: Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft, translucent, and fragrant, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, making sure it becomes aromatic but does not brown to avoid bitterness.
- Incorporate tomato paste: Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen its flavor and enhance the sauce’s richness.
- Add crushed tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Season the sauce: Add sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, chili flakes (if using), and black pepper to season the sauce perfectly.
- Simmer the sauce: Let the sauce simmer uncovered on medium-low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens to your preferred consistency.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste your sauce and add extra seasoning as needed to balance flavors.
- Finish with fresh basil: Stir in fresh basil just before serving for a bright, herbaceous finish that brings the sauce to life.
Notes
- Using San Marzano tomatoes can significantly enhance the flavor due to their natural sweetness and low acidity.
- The sugar helps cut the natural acidity of the tomatoes but can be adjusted or omitted based on taste.
- Chili flakes are optional and can be adjusted based on your preferred spice level.
- Simmering uncovered allows the sauce to thicken and develop a richer flavor.
- Fresh basil folded in at the end provides a fresh herbal aroma without losing its bright green color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
