Marinara Sauce Anyone Can Make

5 from 1 vote

This famous Italian sauce is perfect for serving over pasta or as a fresh dip for your appetizers.

Prep Time5

Cook Time45

Total Time50

Course: Condiment

Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean

Keyword: Budget-Friendly, Low-Carb, Vegetarian

Servings: people

Calories: 98kcal

1 yellow onion medium
3 garlic cloves
3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil divided
1 basil sprig large, always use fresh basil with marinara sauce, separate leaves from stems
1/2 tablespoon pure cane sugar
28 ounces whole peeled tomatoes crushed, recommend San Marzano one (D.O.P. certified even better. See notes below)
1 teaspoon table salt use sea salt, absolutely not Himalayan

Finely chop the onion and garlic and add them to a large saucepan with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Start sautéing on a gentle flame (low heat) and add the basil stems, this will give a more intense fragrance.
After a few minutes, add the sugar and let your base take on a nice golden color, being careful not to burn it.
Then add the previously crushed tomatoes. Never blend the tomatoes, because with a blender you will break the seeds of the tomatoes, going to release too much acidity in the dish.
Add the salt and basil leaves, cover with a lid and cook for at least 40 minutes.
After this time has passed, raise the heat to maximum and cook for 5 minutes with the lid half-open. Don't worry if the sauce sticks slightly to the bottom, this step will help the tomato to release its best aspect: the umami flavor.
Turn off the heat, remove the lid, add a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and set the sauce aside to cool.
The scent of the raw oil will leave a sour and bitter note that will complement the flavor of the sauce.

D.O.P. (Designation of Origin Protected) will ensure the product is produced, processed, and packaged in a specific geographical region. For example, San Marzano tomatoes comes from a region of Italy, specifically San Marzano Sul Sarno, which is near Naples. The taste is unbeatable!
The serving size is calculated for a plate of pasta, the classic "pasta al pomodoro" or pasta marinara.
You can serve the sauce with pasta, dress your pizza, or simply as a dip for your appetizers.

SmartPoints (Freestyle): 4