This classic red sauce, also known as Marinara Sauce, is rich, flavorful, and versatile. It can be used for pasta, pizza, lasagna, eggplant parmesan, chicken parmesan, meatballs, and many other Italian dishes.
Yield
About 4 cups of sauce
Preparation Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 35–45 minutes
- Total: 55 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 oz / 800 g total) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Fresh Herbs
- 6–8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion.
- Cook for 5–6 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Do not let the garlic brown.
Step 2: Add Tomato Paste
- Stir in tomato paste.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes.
This deepens the tomato flavor and adds richness.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes
Pour in:
- Crushed tomatoes
Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Season the Sauce
Add:
- Oregano
- Basil
- Thyme
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sugar (if tomatoes are acidic)
Mix thoroughly.
Step 5: Simmer
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low.
- Cook uncovered for 30–40 minutes.
Stir occasionally.
The sauce should gradually thicken and develop a rich flavor.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs
- Stir in fresh basil and parsley.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes more.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
Optional Smooth Sauce
For a restaurant-style smooth sauce:
- Remove from heat.
- Blend using an immersion blender until silky smooth.
Serving Suggestions
This red sauce works perfectly with:
- Spaghetti
- Lasagna
- Pizza
- Eggplant Parmesan
- Chicken Parmesan
- Meatballs
- Garlic bread
Chef's Tips
Richer Flavor
Simmer for up to 1 hour for a deeper taste.
Extra Garlic
Add 2–3 additional cloves if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor.
Fresh Tomato Version
Replace canned tomatoes with:
- 2½ lbs (1.1 kg) ripe Roma tomatoes, peeled and crushed.
Vegetarian & Vegan
This sauce is naturally vegetarian and vegan.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Warm over medium-low heat until hot.
Approximate Nutrition (Per ½ Cup Serving)
- Calories: 60–80
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 8–10 g
- Fat: 3–4 g
- Fiber: 2 g
This homemade Italian red sauce is simple, fresh, and packed with tomato and herb flavor, making it an excellent base for countless Italian dishes.
Read Also: Pumpkin Pie Recipe
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