Easy Marinara Sauce

If you’re on the lookout for a delicious and simple marinara sauce that you can whip up in no time, you’ve landed in the right place. This Easy Marinara Sauce recipe is perfect for pasta nights, pizza toppings, or even a dipping sauce for your favorite appetizers. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create a rich, flavorful sauce that’s sure to impress. Let’s dive into why this recipe has become my go-to for all things marinara!

Why It’s My Go-To

This Easy Marinara Sauce is not only straightforward to make, but its versatility is unmatched. Whether you’re tossing it with spaghetti or using it as a base for a homemade pizza, this sauce ticks all the boxes. The combination of fresh vegetables and herbs brings out a depth of flavor that jarred sauces simply can’t compete with. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use pantry staples, and it freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.

What You’ll Gather

To make this mouthwatering Easy Marinara Sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• Pinch of fennel seed
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
• 1/3 cup freshly chopped basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar, optional

Hardware & Gadgets

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the right tools on hand:

• Large pot or saucepan – for simmering the sauce.
• Wooden spoon – perfect for stirring and preventing sticking.
• Knife and cutting board – for chopping your vegetables.
• Measuring spoons – to ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
• Can opener – for the crushed tomatoes.

Mastering Easy Marinara Sauce: How-To

Now, let’s get to the fun part: making your Easy Marinara Sauce!

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices

Once your vegetables are tender, stir in the minced garlic, fennel seed, and crushed red pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

Step 3: Pour in the Tomatoes

Carefully add the crushed tomatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine everything, and then add the bay leaf, freshly chopped basil, dried oregano, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Adjust and Finish

After 30 minutes, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary. If you’d like a touch of sweetness, stir in the optional sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Health-Conscious Tweaks

If you’re looking to make this Easy Marinara Sauce even healthier, consider the following options:

• Swap olive oil for avocado oil for a different flavor profile.
• Add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrients.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a burst of flavor.
• Reduce the amount of oil to lower the calorie count.

Notes from the Test Kitchen

When making this Easy Marinara Sauce, remember that the quality of your crushed tomatoes can significantly impact the flavor. Opt for high-quality, no-salt-added varieties for the best results. Additionally, don’t skip the simmering step; it’s crucial for developing a rich flavor profile.

Best Ways to Store

Once you’ve made your delicious Easy Marinara Sauce, you can store it easily:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Simply thaw in the fridge overnight, or reheat directly from frozen on the stovetop over low heat.

Common Questions

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Easy Marinara Sauce tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop. It’s perfect for meal prep!

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes! You can definitely use fresh tomatoes. You’ll need about 3-4 pounds of fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary.

How can I make this sauce spicier?

If you like your sauce with a kick, feel free to increase the amount of crushed red pepper or add a chopped fresh chili pepper when sautéing the vegetables.

What should I serve with marinara sauce?

This Easy Marinara Sauce is fantastic with spaghetti, meatballs, or as a pizza sauce. It also pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.

Before You Go

Now that you have the recipe for this Easy Marinara Sauce, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this sauce will be a hit. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and making it your own. Enjoy your culinary journey, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family!