Homemade Marinara Sauce

This Homemade Marinara Sauce is a delicious and versatile recipe that elevates any meal. Ideal for pasta, meatballs, pizza, or even as a dipping sauce, this simple sauce can be made in just 20 minutes. With its fresh ingredients and robust flavor, it’s perfect for casual dinners or special occasions. Plus, it freezes beautifully, making it easy to whip up whenever you need it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh garlic and tomatoes gives the sauce an authentic taste you won’t find in store-bought versions.
  • Versatile Uses: Use this marinara for various dishes such as pasta, meatballs, or as a pizza base.
  • Freezer-Friendly: Make a large batch and freeze it for future meals; it retains its flavor perfectly.
  • Customizable: Adjust the spices or add extras like chili flakes for a little kick!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this homemade marinara sauce recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Immersion blender
  • Saucepan
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Importance of Each Tool

  • Immersion blender: This tool allows you to blend the tomatoes directly in the pot, saving time on cleanup.
  • Saucepan: A good saucepan ensures even cooking so that your sauce simmers perfectly without burning.
  • Cutting board: A stable surface makes chopping garlic and parsley much easier and safer.

Ingredients

Use this simple homemade marinara sauce for pastas, meatballs, pizza, and as a dipping sauce! This is one of the easiest sauces to make from scratch and is perfect for the freezer.

For the Sauce

  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 28 oz. plum tomatoes
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 3–4 tablespoons fresh parsley (roughly chopped)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

How to Make Homemade Marinara Sauce

Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil

Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Blend the Tomatoes

Blend the plum tomatoes using an immersion blender, regular blender, or food mill until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the blended tomatoes along with the bay leaf, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, and salt to the pot. Stir everything together to combine well.

Step 4: Simmer

Simmer the sauce for about 15 minutes on low heat or until it’s thickened to your liking. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious homemade marinara sauce! Whether it’s served over pasta or used as a pizza topping, this recipe brings rich flavors to your table.

How to Serve Homemade Marinara Sauce

Homemade marinara sauce is incredibly versatile and can elevate various dishes. Here are some delicious ways to serve this flavorful sauce:

With Pasta

  • Pair with your favorite pasta for a classic Italian meal. Toss it with spaghetti or penne for a comforting dinner.

As a Pizza Sauce

  • Spread on pizza dough before adding toppings. This homemade marinara adds a rich and tangy flavor to any pizza.

Dipping Sauce for Breadsticks

  • Serve alongside warm, crispy breadsticks. The sauce makes an excellent dip, enhancing the flavor of the bread.

With Meatballs

  • Use as a base for meatballs, creating a hearty dish perfect for a family meal or gathering.

In Tomato Basil Pasta

  • Combine with fresh basil and cooked pasta. This simple recipe showcases the marinara’s robust flavor beautifully.

For Eggplant Parmesan

  • Layer between slices of eggplant and cheese. This makes for a delightful vegetarian dish that everyone will love.
Homemade

How to Perfect Homemade Marinara Sauce

Making the best homemade marinara sauce can be easy with a few key tips. Here are some suggestions to enhance your sauce:

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs will add more depth to the flavor than dried options.

  • Control the Consistency: Blend tomatoes to your desired smoothness, whether chunky or silky.

  • Simmer Longer for Richer Flavor: Allowing the sauce to simmer longer can deepen its flavors, making it more delicious.

  • Adjust Salt Carefully: Taste as you go and adjust salt according to your preference; too much can overwhelm the other flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Marinara Sauce

Pairing side dishes with homemade marinara sauce can create a well-rounded meal. Consider these tasty options:

  1. Garlic Bread: A must-have! Toasted bread slathered in garlic butter complements marinara perfectly.

  2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil make a refreshing contrast to rich sauces.

  3. Stuffed Peppers: Filled with rice, beans, and cheese, these peppers pair nicely with marinara drizzled on top.

  4. Zucchini Noodles: A low-carb alternative, zucchini noodles provide a light option that still feels indulgent when topped with marinara.

  5. Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with marinara offers comfort and warmth in every bite.

  6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender pair wonderfully drizzled with marinara sauce for added flavor.

  7. Risotto: Creamy risotto made with parmesan complements the acidity of homemade marinara beautifully.

  8. Antipasto Platter: A variety of cured meats, cheeses, and olives make for an excellent appetizer alongside your marinara sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making homemade marinara sauce can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is key to perfecting it.

  • Using low-quality tomatoes: Always opt for high-quality plum tomatoes. They provide the best flavor and texture for your sauce.
  • Overcooking the garlic: Cooking garlic too long will make it bitter. Sauté it just until fragrant, about one minute.
  • Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh parsley adds brightness to the sauce. Don’t skip this step; dried herbs can’t replicate that fresh taste.
  • Not simmering long enough: Simmering allows the flavors to meld together. Be patient and let your sauce cook for at least 15 minutes.
  • Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Taste your sauce as you go. You might need more salt or seasoning based on your preferences.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store in an airtight container.
  • Homemade marinara sauce lasts up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Homemade Marinara Sauce

  • Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
  • The sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Homemade Marinara Sauce

  • Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through.
  • Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
  • Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about homemade marinara sauce.

What is the best type of tomato for Homemade Marinara Sauce?

Plum tomatoes are ideal due to their rich flavor and low moisture content, making them perfect for sauces.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned plum tomatoes work well and save time. Just ensure they are high quality for the best flavor.

How can I customize my Homemade Marinara Sauce?

Add red pepper flakes for heat or mushrooms for a heartier texture. You can also mix in vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.

How long does Homemade Marinara Sauce last in the fridge?

It can last up to 5 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe doubles easily, making it perfect for larger gatherings or meal prep.

Final Thoughts

Homemade marinara sauce is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re using it with pasta, meatballs, or pizza, this sauce will elevate your dishes. Feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs or spices to suit your taste!

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Homemade Marinara Sauce

Homemade Marinara Sauce


  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x

Description

Homemade Marinara Sauce is a quick and flavorful addition to any meal, perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a delightful dipping sauce. In just 20 minutes, you can create a rich and aromatic sauce using fresh ingredients that will elevate your cooking. This versatile sauce not only enhances family dinners but also freezes beautifully, allowing you to have a homemade option ready whenever you need it. With its robust flavor and customizable nature, this marinara recipe is destined to become a staple in your kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 28 oz. plum tomatoes
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 34 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Blend the plum tomatoes until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender.
  3. Combine the blended tomatoes with the bay leaf, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, and salt in the pot. Stir well.
  4. Simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: ½ cup (120g)
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: For added flavor, experiment with spices like red pepper flakes or fresh basil. To achieve your preferred consistency, blend tomatoes to your liking—smooth or chunky works great.

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