Name: Basic Marinara Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: About 4 cups
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

By CozyDelicious August 31, 2011

Marinara sauce is a classic staple in any kitchen – it's simple, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. Whether you're making a quick pasta dinner, a homemade pizza, or using it as a dipping sauce for your favorite appetizers, having a jar of homemade marinara sauce on hand can truly elevate your meals. Today, we'll walk you through how to make a basic marinara sauce from scratch that's bursting with fresh flavors and perfect for any occasion.

Prep 10 min
Cook 30 min
Total 40 min
Yield About 4 cups
Cuisine Italian
Category Sauce

Vegetarian Vegan Gluten-Free marinara sauce tomato sauce Italian sauce homemade sauce pasta sauce pizza sauce easy sauce basic marinara

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine with the onion and garlic mixture.
Sprinkle in the sugar, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
After simmering, taste the marinara sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend it with an immersion blender or in a regular blender for a few seconds.
Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency and flavor, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving.
Serve the marinara sauce over your favorite pasta, use it as a base for pizza, or enjoy it as a dipping sauce with crusty bread. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra pop of flavor if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size: 1/2 cup (125 ml)

Calories: 120 kcal
Total Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 300 mg
Total Carbohydrate: 14 g
Dietary Fiber: 4 g
Sugars: 9 g
Protein: 3 g

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, mastering the art of homemade marinara sauce is a skill that will serve you well in creating delicious meals for yourself and your loved ones. So, grab a pot, some fresh ingredients, and get ready to simmer up a batch of this flavorful sauce that will soon become a kitchen essential in your home.