Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe

This homemade marinara sauce is a simple and flavorful option for pasta, pizza, and more. Made with fresh ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 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
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Using an immersion blender, regular blender, or food mill, blend the plum tomatoes until smooth (or leave slightly chunky for a textured sauce).
4. Pour the blended tomatoes into the saucepan with the garlic. Add the bay leaf, Italian seasoning, parsley, and salt.
5. Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
6. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The flavors will meld together as the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve warm or use in your favorite dishes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh herbs, this sauce is wholesome and easy to prepare.
• Quick: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Adjust seasonings and textures to suit your preferences.
• Versatile: Works wonderfully as a base for pasta, pizza, and more.

Tips

• Garlic Tips: Mince garlic finely to evenly distribute its flavor.
• Consistency: For a thicker sauce, simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
• Freshness: Use fresh parsley for the best flavor, but dried parsley can work in a pinch.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Variations and Substitutions

• Herbs: Swap Italian seasoning for basil, oregano, or thyme for a different flavor profile.
• Tomatoes: Use canned crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce or fresh, peeled tomatoes for a fresh-from-the-garden taste.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
• Onion: Sauté finely diced onion with the garlic for added depth of flavor.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, blanch and peel fresh tomatoes before blending for the best results.

Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, this marinara sauce is naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld. Make it up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate.

Serving and Suggestions

• Pairings: Serve over pasta, as a dip for breadsticks, or as a topping for homemade pizza.
• Toppings: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan or chopped basil for added flavor.
• Leftovers: Use as a base for lasagna, stuffed peppers, or baked ziti.