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Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce (VIDEO)

There’s something undeniably special about homemade sauces—especially when it comes to marinara. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a delicious sauce that turns any dish into a culinary delight. Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, using it as a dip, or slathering it on a homemade pizza, this easy homemade marinara sauce is sure to impress.

Why Homemade Marinara?

While store-bought sauces can be convenient, they often contain preservatives and additives that detract from the purity of the flavours. Making your marinara sauce at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a fresh and vibrant taste that elevates your dishes. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to utilise seasonal tomatoes when they’re at their peak.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create a basic marinara sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g) of crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, to garnish
• Dried oregano and red pepper flakes (optional, for added flavour)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

2. Add the Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine with the cooked onion and garlic. This is where the magic begins!

3. Season to Taste: Add sugar (if using) to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper and stir in oregano and red pepper flakes, if desired. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 20-30 minutes. This slow cooking enhances the flavours and thickens the sauce to your liking.

4. Finishing Touches: Just before serving, stir in some freshly torn basil leaves to add a burst of herbal freshness. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.

5. Serve and Enjoy: This marinara sauce can be enjoyed immediately with your favourite pasta, or it can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Alternatively, it freezes beautifully for future use.

Tips for the Best Marinara Sauce

• Use Quality Tomatoes: The flavour of your marinara sauce is only as good as the tomatoes you use. If fresh tomatoes are in season, feel free to substitute them for canned, but be sure to blanch and peel them first.

• Taste as You Go: Every ingredient adds its own character to the sauce. Don’t hesitate to adjust seasoning and spices according to your personal preference.

• Experiment with Flavours: Add a splash of red wine during the simmering process for a deeper, richer flavour, or incorporate different herbs like thyme or parsley to switch things up.

Watch the Video

For a step-by-step guide, be sure to check out our accompanying video, where we walk you through each stage of creating this delightful marinara sauce. You’ll see the vibrant colours and hear more tips on perfecting your sauce!

Conclusion

Creating your own marinara sauce doesn’t have to be intimidating. With just a little time and a few simple ingredients, you can craft a sauce that’s not only delicious but also serves as a base for countless meals. Whether paired with spaghetti, served on pizza, or used as a dip for breadsticks, this Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking!