Classic Marinara Sauce

Classic Marinara Sauce

FAQ

Chef’s Tips

• Smooth Version: Blend after cooking for a silky sauce perfect for dipping.
• Garlic Lovers: Add an extra clove or two for a bolder flavor.
• Acidity Fix: A pinch of baking soda (¼–½ tsp per 3½ cups sauce) balances acidity without adding sugar.

Classic Marinara Sauce

Wife with the Knife

This marinara sauce is the kind of comfort you’ll want in your kitchen all the time. Rich, flavourful, and incredibly easy to make, it’s perfect for pasta, pizza, or dunking breadsticks. Tangy, savoury, and just the right hint of heat (if you like it spicy), it’s easily customizable to your taste. You’ll be reaching for it over and over!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dips, Sauces

Cuisine Italian

Servings 3 cups

Ingredients

  

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 28oz can crushed tomatoes,
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried basil (or a few fresh basil leaves)
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity *see notes)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (for extra depth, optional)
• ¼ cup water or vegetable broth (if needed to thin the sauce)

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• Stir in tomato paste (if using) and cook for 1 minute.
• Pour in crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, oregano, and basil. Stir well.
• Simmer uncovered on low heat for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water or broth if the sauce gets too thick.
• Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in fresh basil (if using) at the end for extra flavor.
• Enjoy!

Notes

• Baking Soda Trick: To balance acidity in the sauce, use ¼–½ teaspoon of baking soda for every 3½ cups of sauce. Add it ¼ teaspoon at a time, tasting and adjusting as needed. Baking soda is an effective alternative to sugar for reducing acidity in tomato-based sauces and soups.
• Fresh Tomato Option: Swap canned San Marzano tomatoes for fresh tomatoes. Peel, chop, and cook them down until soft to make a fresh, vibrant sauce.
• Garlic Lovers: If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or three to enhance the aromatic flavour.
• Storage: Store in an air tight container in the fridge for 5-7 days.
• Freezing: This sauce freezes beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months for a quick meal anytime.

 

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Keyword Easy Recipes, Italian Dipping Sauce, Italian Recipes, Marinara sauce, Pasta Sauce, Pizza Sauce, quick recipes, Quick Sauce, Tomato Sauce, weeknight recipes

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