**Quick and Simple Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe**
If you seek a rapid and tasty method to enhance your pasta meals, pizzas, or even as a dipping sauce, crafting a homemade marinara sauce is an excellent choice. In contrast to commercial varieties that are often stuffed with preservatives and added sugars, this straightforward and swift marinara sauce recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients and requires just 30 minutes or less to make. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, this recipe is an essential addition to your cooking repertoire.
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### Benefits of Making Marinara Sauce at Home
Homemade marinara sauce brings numerous benefits:
– **Vibrant Flavor**: You control what goes in, guaranteeing a fresher, more flavorful experience.
– **Nutritious Choice**: Free from artificial preservatives, added sugars, or excessive sodium.
– **Personalized**: Tailor the seasoning, consistency, and heat level to your preference.
– **Cost-Effective**: Created with pantry essentials, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to store-bought sauces.
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### Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare a classic, quick marinara sauce:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3–4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional for richer flavor)
– 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes or whole peeled tomatoes, hand-crushed
– 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped)
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for added spice)
– 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
– Freshly chopped parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
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### Instructions
**Step 1: Sauté Aromatics**
In a medium saucepan, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic (and chopped onion, if using) and sauté for 2–3 minutes until aromatic and translucent, taking care to avoid burning the garlic.
**Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings**
Incorporate the crushed tomatoes, followed by salt, pepper, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and sugar if you decide to use it. Stir well to combine all flavors.
**Step 3: Simmer the Sauce**
Allow the sauce to reach a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps to blend the flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
**Step 4: Taste and Adjust**
Sample the sauce and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If you desire a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender and puree until smooth.
**Step 5: Serve or Store**
Serve immediately over pasta, as a pizza sauce, or for dipping. Cool any leftovers completely before placing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for as long as 3 months.
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### Tips for the Ultimate Marinara Sauce
– **Opt for high-quality tomatoes**: San Marzano tomatoes are often favored for their sweet and rich flavor.
– **Take your time with the simmer**: Even a brief simmer enhances the sauce’s depth.
– **Incorporate fresh herbs at the end**: Stir in fresh basil or parsley just before serving for a burst of freshness.
– **Make it your own**: Add sautéed mushrooms, olives, or a splash of red wine for a twist.
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### Closing Thoughts
This quick and simple homemade marinara sauce is a versatile essential that can elevate ordinary meals into something extraordinary. With only a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a delectable, homemade sauce that outshines anything pre-packaged. Try it once, and you may find it hard to return to store-bought!
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**Serving Suggestions:**
– Mix with spaghetti and top with grated Parmesan
– Use as a foundation for homemade pizza
– Serve as a dip alongside mozzarella sticks or garlic bread
– Layer it in lasagna or baked ziti
Enjoy your journey into homemade marinara!