The Easiest Homemade Marinara Sauce

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own marinara sauce from scratch. It’s a culinary experience that fills your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of garlic and herbs. Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, slathering it on pizza, or using it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, this Easiest Homemade Marinara Sauce will elevate your meals to a whole new level. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s not only simple but also bursting with flavor!

Top Reasons to Make The Easiest Homemade Marinara Sauce

• Fresh Ingredients: You control the quality and freshness of the ingredients, making it a healthier option.
• Customizable: Adjust the seasoning and ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
• Time-Saving: This recipe is quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Cost-Effective: Making your own sauce is often cheaper than buying jarred options.
• Freezing Friendly: You can make a big batch and freeze it for later use.

What Goes In

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing and adding richness.
• 1 small diced yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 2 (15-ounce) cans stewed tomatoes: The base of our sauce, packed with flavor.
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor.
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings an aromatic touch.
• 3 cloves minced garlic: Essential for that classic garlic flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the sauce.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of heat.
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• ½ cup chicken broth or water: Adjusts the consistency of the sauce.

Cook’s Kit

• Large saucepan: For cooking and simmering the sauce.
• Wooden spoon: To stir and mix the ingredients.
• Sharp knife: For chopping the onion and garlic.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
• Can opener: To open the canned tomatoes and tomato paste.

The Method for The Easiest Homemade Marinara Sauce

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced yellow onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Don’t rush this step; it builds the foundation for your sauce.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the pan. Stir continuously for about 1 minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!

Step 3: Incorporate the Tomatoes

Next, pour in the 2 cans of stewed tomatoes along with the 6-ounce can of tomato paste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 4: Season the Sauce

Add in the 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar. These spices will create a rich flavor profile that’s unmistakably marinara.

Step 5: Adjust Consistency

Pour in ½ cup of chicken broth or water, depending on your preference for sauce thickness. Stir until the mixture is well combined.

Step 6: Simmer

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

After simmering, taste the sauce. You can adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or sugar as needed. If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to purée it to your desired consistency.

Budget & Availability Swaps

• Olive oil: Can be substituted with vegetable oil or any neutral oil.
• Stewed tomatoes: Use crushed tomatoes or fresh tomatoes if available.
• Tomato paste: Can be replaced with tomato sauce in a pinch, but adjust the liquid content.
• Chicken broth: Vegetable broth or water works as a substitute.
• Italian seasoning: A mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme can replicate the flavor.

Watch Outs & How to Fix

When making the Easiest Homemade Marinara Sauce, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Burnt Garlic: If the garlic burns, it will give the sauce a bitter flavor. Keep an eye on it while sautéing.
• Too Acidic: If your sauce is too acidic, add a bit more sugar to balance the flavors.
• Too Thick: If the sauce is thicker than you like, simply add more chicken broth or water to thin it out.
• Too Watery: If it’s too watery, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid.

Save It for Later

One of the best things about the Easiest Homemade Marinara Sauce is that it freezes beautifully! Here’s how to store it:

• Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags.
• Label the containers with the date and type of sauce for easy identification.
• It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight or warm it directly from the freezer in a saucepan.

Reader Questions

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes can be used, though you will need to peel and chop them, and you might want to add a bit of water to achieve the right consistency.

How can I make this sauce spicier?

For a spicy kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions and garlic.

Can this sauce be made ahead of time?

Yes! This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to three months.

What dishes can I use this marinara sauce with?

This marinara sauce is versatile! Use it with pasta, on pizzas, in lasagna, or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks and mozzarella sticks.

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Ready, Set, Cook

Now that you have all the details on how to make the Easiest Homemade Marinara Sauce, it’s time to get cooking! Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and soon you’ll have a delicious sauce that’s perfect for any meal. Enjoy the process, embrace the aromas, and relish the satisfaction of creating something wonderful in your kitchen. Happy cooking!