Traditional Marinara Sauce

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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This traditional marinara sauce is your go-to for a cozy, heartwarming meal. With fresh, simple ingredients, it brings the authentic taste of Italy right to your kitchen. The balance of flavors is designed to elevate any pasta dish you pair it with.

Ingredients for Traditional Marinara Sauce

Olive oil sets the stage for sautéing, adding richness and depth. Onion provides a sweet, savory base once cooked to translucency. The garlic enhances the aroma and adds a warm, pungent kick. Using whole peeled tomatoes yields a thicker sauce with a fresh, robust taste. Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning, balancing the flavors. Dried oregano and dried basil give the sauce its classic Italian essence, while red pepper flakes (if you opt to include them) introduce a subtle heat. Sugar rounds out the acidity of the tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves added at the end bring a burst of fresh, aromatic flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a smoother texture, blend the sauce with an immersion blender before adding fresh basil.
  • Let the sauce cool completely before freezing it in airtight containers.
  • Use San Marzano tomatoes for an extra burst of authentic Italian flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This marinara sauce shines over a plate of al dente spaghetti, but don't stop there. It’s perfect for layering in lasagna, drizzling over homemade pizza, or served with a side of warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but you'll need to peel and core them first. Canned tomatoes are convenient and offer a consistent taste year-round.
How can I thicken my sauce if it's too thin?
Let it simmer uncovered a bit longer, or add a small amount of tomato paste to help thicken it.
Is this sauce spicy with the red pepper flakes?
It has a mild heat if you include the red pepper flakes. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference or omit them entirely for a milder sauce.

Traditional Marinara Sauce Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in your chopped onion. Let it cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's soft and translucent. Add in the minced garlic and give it about a minute, just until its aromatic scent fills your kitchen. Crushing the whole peeled tomatoes by hand may seem old-fashioned, but it’s the best way to keep some texture in your sauce. Add them to the pot along with their juices.

Stir in the salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and if you're feeling adventurous, the red pepper flakes. Sprinkle in a tablespoon of sugar to counter the acidity of the tomatoes. Now, let it all simmer. This is where the magic happens — leave it uncovered and let it cook for 45 minutes to an hour, stirring every so often. You'll know it's ready when it has thickened to your liking. Before serving, stir in the freshly chopped basil leaves. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare with pantry staples and fresh herbs.
  • Rich, balanced flavor profile that complements a variety of dishes.
  • Customizable spice level with optional red pepper flakes.
  • Perfect for meal prep — it freezes beautifully!

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (28 oz each) whole peeled tomatoes
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp sugar
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Crush the whole peeled tomatoes by hand and add them to the pot along with their juices.
5. Stir in salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, and sugar.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
7. Stir in fresh basil leaves and adjust seasoning as needed.

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