Homemade marinara is almost as fast and tastes immeasurably better than even the best supermarket sauce — and its made with basic pantry ingredients. All the tricks to a bright red, lively-tasting sauce, made just as it is in the south of Italy (no butter, no onions) are in this recipe. Use a skillet instead of the usual saucepan: the water evaporates quickly, so the tomatoes are just cooked through as the sauce becomes thick. (Our colleagues over at Wirecutter have spent a lot of time testing skillets to find the best on the market. If youre looking to purchase one, check out their skillet guide.) —Julia Moskin
Homemade Marinara Sauce
Homemade Marinara Sauce doesn’t get any easier! This requires just a handful of ingredients and 20 minutes on the stove for a memorable Italian Marinara.
Prep: 5min
Total: 25min
Yield: 3
Serving Size: 1 serving
Nutrition Facts: calories 180 kcal, Carbohydrate 22 g, Protein 5 g, Fat 10 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Sodium 738 mg, Fiber 5 g, Sugar 12 g, servingSize 1 serving
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 medium yellow onion (1/2 cup chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (finely minced)
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 Tbsp fresh basil (or parsley, finely minced, plus more to garnish)
Instruction:
- Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and add 2 Tbsp olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add 1/2 cup chopped onion stirring often until soft and golden (about 5 min). Add minced garlic and stir 1 min, or until fragrant.
- Stir in 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Bring to a light boil then reduce heat and simmer partially covered for 15 minutes.
- Finally, stir in 1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil then turn off the heat.
Super Simple Marinara Sauce
This marinara sauce recipe is the best! You’ll only need 5 basic ingredients, and it’s so easy to make. No chopping required! Recipe yields 2 cups sauce (enough for 8 ounces pasta); double if desired.
Prep: 5min
Total: 50min
Yield: 2
Serving Size: 1/2 cup marinara sauce
Nutrition Facts: servingSize 1/2 cup marinara sauce, calories 99 calories, Sugar 5.5 g, Sodium 228.8 mg, Fat 7.5 g, Saturated Fat 1.1 g, Trans Fat 0 g, Carbohydrate 8.6 g, Fiber 4.2 g, Protein 1.8 g, Cholesterol 0 mg
Ingredients:
- 1 large can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes*
- 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and halved
- 2 large cloves garlic, peeled but left whole
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, omit if sensitive to spice)
- Salt, to taste (if necessary)
- Optional, for serving: Cooked pasta, grated Parmesan cheese or vegan Parmesan, chopped fresh basil, additional olive oil
Instruction:
- In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the tomatoes (with their juices), halved onion, garlic cloves, olive oil, oregano and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-high heat, then lower the heat to keep the sauce at a slow, steady simmer for about 45 minutes, or until droplets of oil float free of the tomatoes. Stir occasionally, and use a sturdy wooden spoon to crush the tomatoes against the side of the pot after about 15 minutes has passed.
- Remove the pot from the heat and discard the onion. Smash the garlic cloves against the side of the pot with a fork, then stir the smashed garlic into the sauce. Do the same with any tiny onion pieces you might find. Use the wooden spoon to crush the tomatoes to your liking (you can blend this sauce smooth with an immersion blender or stand blender, if desired).
- Add salt, to taste (the tomatoes are already pretty salty, so you might just need a pinch). Serve warm. This sauce keeps well, covered and refrigerated, for up to 4 days. Freeze it for up to 6 months.
Marinara Sauce
Easy homemade Marinara sauce made with canned (or fresh) tomatoes and 6 simple ingredients. It’s healthy and tastier than anything you’ll find in a jar.
Prep: 5min
Total: 20min
Yield: 3
Serving Size: 1 serving
Nutrition Facts: calories 215 kcal, Carbohydrate 13 g, Protein 2 g, Fat 18 g, Saturated Fat 3 g, Sodium 767 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 8 g, servingSize 1 serving
Ingredients:
- 28 ounce can whole San Marzano tomatoes*
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instruction:
- Crush the tomatoes with your hands into a large bowl. Set aside.
- Add oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the garlic. Stir and then add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, and salt.
- Turn sauce down to a simmer and cook for at least 15-20 minutes, until the oil on the surface turns a deep orange.
Marinara Sauce the Easy Way | Chef Jean-Pierre
FAQ
What is difference between marinara and spaghetti sauce?
What are the ingredients for a good marinara sauce?
- 128-ounce can whole San Marzano tomatoes, certified D.O.P. if possible.
- ¼cup extra-virgin olive oil.
- 7garlic cloves, peeled and slivered.
- Small dried whole chile, or pinch crushed red pepper flakes.
- 1teaspoon kosher salt.
- 1large fresh basil sprig, or ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, more to taste.
What is classic marinara sauce made of?
What makes marinara sauce taste better?
- Build flavor with garlic and onion. Fresh garlic and onion go a long way in a dish, especially marinara. …
- Break out the parm rinds. …
- Don’t forget the basil. …
- Kick it up with Calabrian chili paste. …
- It’s better with butter!