Easy Marinara Sauce
The ultimate comfort food: Easy Marinara Sauce. This rich and flavorful sauce is perfect for pasta lovers and can elevate any meal. Homemade and simple, this sauce is a must-try for a satisfying dinner tonight!
Equipment
- Saucepan (2 quart)
- Immersion Blender
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 32-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme
- pinch red pepper flakes
- 1-2 whole carrots, diced
- splash balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Begin by pouring olive oil into a medium saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat. Once the oil shimmers, it’s ready for the next step.
- Add the minced garlic and diced onions to the pan. Cook them gently, stirring occasionally, for about five minutes, until they become tender and fragrant. This is where the magic of flavors starts!
- If you’re using carrots, now is the time to add them. Toss in the diced carrots along with the onions. They will help to balance out the sweetness in the sauce.
- Next, it’s time to add all the remaining ingredients. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, kosher salt, ground black pepper, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Once mixed, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings according to your preference. If you like it spicier, feel free to add more red pepper flakes.
- Let the sauce simmer over medium-low heat for about thirty minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until it reaches your desired texture. Alternatively, transfer the sauce to a food processor and blend it.
- After blending, return the sauce to the heat and let it simmer for an additional five minutes. This will ensure the flavors are well integrated.
- Once ready, remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before serving. It’s now perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce!
Notes
- Tip 1: After cooking, let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can last in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove until heated through.
- Tip 2: This sauce freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Tip 3: This sauce pairs wonderfully with spaghetti, penne, or even gnocchi. It can also be used as a base for lasagna or served with meatballs.
- Tip 4: Feel free to experiment with herbs; add fresh basil during the last few minutes of cooking for an aromatic twist. You can also try adding a bay leaf during simmering for added depth.
- Tip 5: For a chunkier sauce, skip the blending step. Just simmer until thickened to your liking.