How to Make Marinara Sauce from Scratch

Marinara sauce is a classic Italian sauce that is known for its rich flavor and versatility. Whether you want to pair it with pasta, use it as a base for pizza, or even as a dipping sauce, making your own marinara sauce from scratch is a rewarding experience. With a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delicious marinara sauce that will impress even the toughest food critics. Here’s how to do it:

Ingredients:
– Olive oil
– 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (400g) of crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (200g) of tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Once the onion and garlic are fragrant, add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

3. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. These seasonings will enhance the flavor of your marinara sauce. Feel free to adjust the amounts according to your taste.

4. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and develop a rich, robust taste. If you have more time, you can even let it simmer for up to 2 hours for a deeper flavor profile.

5. If the sauce becomes too thick during the cooking process, you can add a little bit of water to thin it out. Remember to taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary as the sauce simmers.

6. Once the cooking time is up, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly. If desired, you can stir in some fresh basil leaves for added freshness and aroma.

7. At this point, you can serve the marinara sauce immediately over your favorite pasta or use it as a base for other dishes. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the sauce until smooth.

8. If you have leftovers, store the marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to 3 months.

Making marinara sauce from scratch allows you to control the quality and adjust the flavors according to your liking. It is a straightforward process that rewards you with a delicious sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. So, why settle for store-bought options when you can easily whip up your own marinara sauce at home? Give it a try and elevate your cooking to new heights!