This Marinara Sauce is the best tomato sauce recipe! This San Marzano Tomato Sauce is made with extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, San Marzano canned tomatoes, tomato paste, fresh herbs, and spices. This homemade marinara sauce simmers for hours to create the most robust and flavorful easy marinara sauce.
(2)28-ounce cansWhole Peeled Tomatoes, with juices(San Marzano)
1TablespoonTomato Paste
1/2teaspoonSalt
1/2teaspoonPepper
1teaspoonSugar
1/4 to 1/2teaspoonRed Chili Flakes
2TablespoonsFresh Basil Leaves *(chopped)
1TablespoonFresh Oregano **
Instructions
Start by sauteeing garlic with extra-virgin olive oil. This will only take 1-2 minutes, maximum, since garlic can easily burn. If garlic burns, it can turn bitter, so you always want to water garlic carefully.
Add San Marzano canned tomatoes with juices into the sauteed garlic. Add tomato paste, salt, pepper, and sugar. Reduce heat to LOW and let it simmer. You don't want to completely cover the pot with a lid or too much condensation will form. I suggest just partially covering the pot with a lid.
Simmer on low heat for 2-4 hours, stirring often, to keep the sauce from burning on the bottom of the pan. After the sauce has simmered, add in the fresh herbs, basil and oregano, and red chili flakes. Taste for seasonings and add more salt and pepper, if needed.
Serve with fresh pasta and freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Notes
If you don't have fresh basil or fresh oregano on hand, you can use dried basil and dried oregano.For dried basil, use 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoonsFor dried oregano, use 3/4 teaspoon
Substitutions in Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe:
Even though I suggest using San Marzano canned tomatoes, you can use any type of canned whole, peeled tomatoes.If you don't have fresh basil and oregano, you can use dried basil and dried oregano.The sugar is used to offset the acidity of the tomatoes.
Why is it important to let the homemade marinara sauce simmer for hours?
By simmering the marinara sauce on low heat, the ingredients are able to integrate together and develop richer and deeper flavors. The tomatoes become less acidic as they meld together with garlic, herbs, and spices. The marinara sauce also reduces and develops even stronger flavors.
What additions can I add to marinara sauce?
You can add browned ground beef, Italian sausage, or your favorite type of meat. You can also add more fresh herbs for more freshness or more red chili flakes for more spice.