Here’s a classic marinara sauce recipe that’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping 🥫🍅
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes or whole peeled tomatoes, blended
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil (or a few fresh leaves, chopped)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add garlic (and onion if using) and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
- Add tomatoes
- Stir in crushed tomatoes (or blended whole tomatoes) and mix well.
- Season
- Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or regular blender after simmering.
- Taste & adjust
- Check seasoning; add more salt, pepper, or herbs as desired.
- Serve
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Perfect over pasta, meatballs, or as a pizza base.
If you want, I can also give you a super quick 10-minute version that’s really easy for weeknight dinners. Do you want me to do that?
