Is homemade Marinara better?

Yes! This homemade marinara recipe is full of flavor that you can't expect from a jarred sauce. The flavor continues to build with time & the freshness is difficult to duplicate. If you have the extra time, homemade marinara is worth it!

Should you put Sugar in Spaghetti Sauce?

I'm a firm YES on this topic! You don't need a lot, but the sugar helps to cut down on the acidity of the tomatoes. Add in a dash of red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy kick to the spaghetti sauce and you will be known as the Queen of flavor!

Is this Marinara chunky?

This Marinara sauce is on the thinner side for a marinara. Think marinara meets tomato sauce. It uses crushed tomatoes rather than whole tomatoes, so you get the full flavor, but in a more pureed form. I've never been big on chunks of tomatoes in my sauce.

What seasonings go in Spaghetti Sauce?

Traditional seasonings & spices that go into Spaghetti Sauce are salt, dried basil, thyme, oregano and bay leaf. I also like to add a touch of sugar for sweetness and red pepper flakes for spice.

What to do with Leftover Spaghetti Sauce?

Leftover spaghetti sauce is the best and usually tastes even more flavorful than the first time. Use it on pasta, as a dip for garlic knots, or try these Couscous Stuffed Peppers or mini meatballs . Make Chicken Parmesan with this crispy chicken fritta recipe and pour this heavenly sauce over the top.

San Marzano Marinara Sauce Recipe (Quick & Easy)

Name: San Marzano Marinara Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: PT-475999H34M3S
Cuisine: italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 of a yellow onion, minced (about 3/4 cup); 1-2 garlic cloves, minced; 28 ounce can Tomato Sauce; 28 ounce can San Marzano or San Marzano Style Crushed Tomatoes; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon sugar; 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 bay leaf; Optional: Fresh basil or parsley at serving and parmigiano-reggiano cheese for topping

Description

This San Marzano Marinara Sauce is easy and full of flavor! Best thing..it only takes 10 minutes to prep this delicious pasta sauce!

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 of a yellow onion, minced (about 3/4 cup)
1-2 garlic cloves, minced
28 ounce can Tomato Sauce
28 ounce can San Marzano or San Marzano Style Crushed Tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 bay leaf
Optional: Fresh basil or parsley at serving and parmigiano-reggiano cheese for topping

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Instructions

Begin by mincing the yellow onion and garlic clove.
Place a dutch oven on the stovetop on medium low heat. Add in olive oil and allow to warm up for a minute.
Add in the onion and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir and allow them to soften for about 4-6 minutes.
Add in the garlic and stir. Cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the cans of tomato sauce and crushed tomato.
Next, sprinkle in remaining salt, dried herbs of basil, thyme and oregano, sugar, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf. Stir well.
Cover and allow to cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Take cover off and stir. Place cover back on and reduce heat to low.
Cook for 30 minutes up to 4 hours. If you decide to cook for a long period, just stir it every hour or so.

Equipment

Cutting Board

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dutch oven

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wusthof knife

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Notes

If you know that you aren't going to cook the sauce for long, make sure the onions are fully softened before adding into the tomato sauces. You don't want to bite into a crunchy onion.
At any time the onions or garlic start to brown, turn down the heat. You want a translucent, softened onion, with no browning.
Looking for maximum flavor? Cook for 2 hours or longer. The flavor is still great with only 30 minutes of simmering, but it gets even better with time.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: dinner
Method: stovetop
Cuisine: italian