Marinara sauce –Creating a rich and flavorful homemade marinara sauce is a delightful culinary endeavor. This recipe enables you to produce a sauce bursting with the vibrant taste of fresh ingredients, perfect for elevating pasta dishes or serving as a dipping sauce. Below, you’ll find a detailed guide on preparing this classic Italian sauce.
Homemade Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce is known for its simplicity and deliciousness. With just a few ingredients, you can craft a sauce that outshines any store-bought alternative. The following recipe serves as a base for countless variations and dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic mixture.
- If desired, add sugar to cut the acidity of the tomatoes. Season with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and let it cook uncovered for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. For an enhanced flavor, consider adding fresh basil towards the end of the cooking process.
- Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Serve it over your favorite pasta, use it in lasagna, or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
- If storing, let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to a container. It can be refrigerated for up to one week or frozen for up to three months.
This homemade marinara sauce is versatile, hearty, and sure to impress. Enjoy the process of cooking, and savor the delicious results!