How to Make Marinara Sauce: A Taste of Italy in Your Kitchen

Marinara sauce. The vibrant, tangy, and utterly delicious foundation of countless Italian dishes. This sauce, bursting with the flavors of ripe tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, is surprisingly easy to make at home. Forget the store-bought jars and let me guide you through a simple, step-by-step recipe that will have you saying “Ciao Bella!” to homemade marinara sauce.

Why You Should Try This Marinara Sauce Recipe

Making your own marinara sauce is incredibly rewarding. Not only will you impress your family and friends with a taste of Italy, but you’ll also be amazed at how much better it tastes than anything you can buy at the store. Plus, you control the ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality.

My Nonna (grandmother) always said, “A good marinara sauce is like a hug for your pasta.” And she was right! It’s the heart and soul of so many classic Italian dishes, from spaghetti and meatballs to lasagna and chicken parmesan.

Ingredients for the Best Marinara Sauce

Main Ingredients:

• 28 ounces (800 grams) of canned whole peeled tomatoes, preferably San Marzano tomatoes (you can crush them by hand or use a food processor)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor:

• 1/2 cup dry red wine (such as Chianti or Merlot)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf
• A pinch of sugar (to balance acidity)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Equipment Needed

• Large saucepan or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Food processor or immersion blender (optional, for a smoother sauce)

Marinara sauce ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In your large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

2. Add the Tomatoes: Now, pour in your crushed tomatoes. Fill one of the tomato cans with water and add it to the pot as well. This helps to create a smoother sauce.

3. Simmer to Perfection: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour for a richer flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Blend for Smoothness (Optional): If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend the sauce directly in the pot. Alternatively, allow the sauce to cool slightly and carefully transfer it to a food processor or blender.

5. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar (if needed) to balance the acidity.

Tips for the Best Marinara Sauce

• Use Quality Tomatoes: The quality of your tomatoes will greatly impact the flavor of your sauce. San Marzano tomatoes are known for their sweetness and low acidity, making them ideal for marinara.
• Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
• Taste and Adjust: Everyone’s palate is different. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking.
• Fresh Herbs are Key: While dried herbs work well, adding a handful of fresh basil leaves at the end of cooking elevates the flavor.

Simmering marinara sauce

FAQs About Making Marinara Sauce

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! If you have fresh, ripe tomatoes on hand, you can definitely use them. You’ll need about 2 pounds of tomatoes. Blanch them in boiling water for a minute, then shock them in ice water to easily peel off the skins.

Q: How long can I store homemade marinara sauce?
A: Your homemade marinara sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q: What can I do with leftover marinara sauce?
A: Marinara sauce is incredibly versatile! Use it as a base for pizza, add it to soups and stews, or even use it as a dip for breadsticks or mozzarella sticks.

Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Marinara Sauce

• Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs: You can’t go wrong with this timeless combination. Serve your homemade marinara sauce over a bed of spaghetti with juicy meatballs for a comforting and satisfying meal.
• Lasagna Layers of Flavor: Layer your marinara sauce with pasta sheets, ricotta cheese, and your favorite fillings for a hearty and delicious lasagna.
• Chicken Parmesan: Top breaded chicken cutlets with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for a classic Italian-American favorite.
• Eggplant Parmesan: A delicious vegetarian option! Slice eggplant thinly, bread it, and bake it with layers of marinara sauce and cheese.

Conclusion

There you have it! Making your own marinara sauce is easier than you might think, and the flavor is unbeatable. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a taste of Italy in your own kitchen. Be sure to share your culinary masterpiece with your loved ones and savor the flavors of homemade goodness. And if you’re looking for more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, check out our article on How to Cook Rice Cakes. Buon appetito!