Easy Marinara Sauce
If you’re searching for a simple yet flavorful marinara sauce recipe, you’ve landed in the right spot! This Easy Marinara Sauce is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up in your own kitchen. Perfect for pasta nights, pizza toppings, or even as a base for your favorite Italian dishes, this sauce will quickly become a staple in your cooking repertoire. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a rich, aromatic sauce that elevates any meal.
Why Cooks Rave About It
Cooks everywhere love this Easy Marinara Sauce because it balances simplicity with robust flavor. The combination of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and ripe tomatoes creates a sauce that’s not just tasty but also versatile. You can use it for everything from spaghetti to dipping sauces for appetizers. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals without compromising on flavor. Making your own marinara means you control the ingredients, so you can customize it to your liking!
Ingredient Notes
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Easy Marinara Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This is the base for sautéing the vegetables, providing a rich flavor.
- 1 onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 1 carrot, diced: Contributes natural sweetness and a subtle earthiness.
- 1 celery stalk, diced: Balances the sweetness of the onion and carrot.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with a robust, aromatic flavor.
- Pinch of fennel seed: Provides a hint of anise flavor, enhancing the sauce’s complexity.
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper: Adds a touch of heat; adjust according to your spice preference.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses the sauce with a subtle, herbal aroma.
- 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes: The star of the show! Use quality tomatoes for the best flavor.
- 1/3 cup freshly chopped basil: Brightens the sauce with fresh herbal notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic herb in marinara sauce that adds an earthy flavor.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar, optional: Balances acidity in the tomatoes if needed.
Recommended Tools
To make your Easy Marinara Sauce, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for sautéing and simmering the sauce.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring the ingredients together.
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping the vegetables.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure you get the right quantities of each ingredient.
Easy Marinara Sauce: Step-by-Step Guide
Making your own marinara sauce is as easy as 1-2-3! Follow these steps for a delicious homemade sauce.
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices
Stir in the minced garlic, fennel seed, crushed red pepper, and bay leaf. Cook for another minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but not browned.
Step 3: Incorporate the Tomatoes
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 4: Season the Sauce
Add the fresh basil and dried oregano. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If you prefer a touch of sweetness, add the optional sugar at this stage.
Step 5: Simmer
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for at least 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Use your Easy Marinara Sauce over your favorite pasta, as a pizza base, or even as a dip for breadsticks.
Make It Diet-Friendly
Here are some easy modifications to tailor this Easy Marinara Sauce to fit your dietary needs:
- Gluten-free: Serve over gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
- Low-carb: Use the sauce as a base for vegetable dishes or in a one-pot cheesy tortellini and meatballs recipe.
- Vegan: This sauce is naturally vegan—just ensure you serve it with plant-based pasta.
- Low-sodium: Use low-sodium canned tomatoes and skip the additional salt.
What Not to Do
When making your Easy Marinara Sauce, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t rush the sautéing process; it’s essential for developing flavor.
- Avoid using canned tomatoes with added sugar or preservatives for the best taste.
- Don’t skip the simmering step; this is where the sauce thickens and the flavors deepen.
- Be cautious with the crushed red pepper; start with a small amount, and add more if you enjoy heat.
Storing Tips & Timelines
To store your Easy Marinara Sauce, follow these guidelines:
- Refrigerate: Allow the sauce to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, portion the sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Gently reheat the sauce on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick.
Top Questions & Answers
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you have fresh tomatoes, you can blanch and peel them to create your own crushed tomatoes. Use about 3 pounds of fresh tomatoes for this recipe.
How can I thicken my marinara sauce?
If your sauce is too thin, allow it to simmer longer without a lid. You can also add a tablespoon of tomato paste to thicken it up.
What dishes pair well with marinara sauce?
This sauce is versatile! Use it with pasta, as a pizza base, in school cafeteria spaghetti meat sauce, or with meatballs for a classic meal.
Can I make this marinara sauce in advance?
Yes! Making it ahead of time is a great idea. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.
Looking to expand your culinary repertoire? Here are some excellent ideas to try with your marinara sauce:
The Last Word
Homemade marinara sauce is one of those essential recipes that every home cook should have in their back pocket. With its vibrant flavors and simple preparation, this Easy Marinara Sauce will not only enhance your meals but also bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen. As you make this sauce, remember that the beauty of cooking lies in the freedom to adapt and personalize flavors to suit your palate. Enjoy the process, and savor every bite!
Easy Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic, fennel seed, crushed red pepper, and bay leaf. Cook for another minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the fresh basil and dried oregano. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If you prefer a touch of sweetness, add the optional sugar at this stage.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for at least 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving. Use your Easy Marinara Sauce over your favorite pasta, as a pizza base, or even as a dip for breadsticks.
Notes
- Refrigerate leftover sauce in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze in portioned bags for up to 3 months for easy meals later.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper according to your heat preference.
