Introduction
Indulge in the fresh and vibrant flavors of a Classic Marinara Sauce In Minutes. This simple yet flavorful sauce is a staple in Italian cuisine and can elevate any pasta dish with its rich tomato base and aromatic herbs.
Why Make This Recipe
Making your own marinara sauce allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking. This recipe uses basic pantry staples and fresh herbs to create a quick and delicious sauce that beats store-bought alternatives.
How to Make Classic Marinara Sauce In Minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 can (28 oz.) whole, peeled tomatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 7 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 sprig fresh basil
Directions:
- Pour tomatoes into a bowl and crush them with your hands to release the juices.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook onion until softened and translucent for 8-10 minutes. Add garlic during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes to the saucepan and stir in red pepper flakes, oregano, and salt.
- Lay the sprig of basil on top of the tomatoes and let it wilt as the sauce cooks. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Discard the basil sprig and serve the sauce over cooked pasta.
How to Serve Classic Marinara Sauce In Minutes
Serve the marinara sauce over your favorite pasta, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a classic Italian touch. This sauce also pairs well with meatball subs, pizza, or as a dip for garlic bread.
How to Store Classic Marinara Sauce In Minutes
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make Classic Marinara Sauce In Minutes
- Use good quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences, adding more salt or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree the cooked tomatoes before serving.
Variation
For a chunkier marinara sauce, skip the step of crushing the tomatoes and leave them whole in the sauce. You can also add diced carrots or bell peppers for extra depth of flavor.
FAQs
- Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned in this recipe? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you may need to cook them longer to break them down into a sauce consistency.
- Can I make this sauce in advance? Absolutely! Marinara sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together.
- Can I omit the red pepper flakes if I don’t like spicy food? Yes, feel free to leave out the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder sauce.
