Description
A simple and fresh homemade marinara sauce made from fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. This recipe simmers fresh diced tomatoes with garlic and olive oil, then infuses the sauce with fresh basil, Italian parsley, honey, salt, and pepper for a balanced, flavorful sauce perfect for pasta, dipping, or as a base for other dishes.
Ingredients
Marinara Sauce Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (15 mL)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 fresh tomatoes (1 to 1.5 lbs), diced
- 2 Tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp Italian parsley (flat leaf), finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp honey (15 g)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes until it becomes soft and fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This step infuses the oil with garlic flavor, which forms the base of your marinara sauce.
- Simmer the Tomatoes: Add the diced fresh tomatoes to the pan. Let them simmer uncovered for about 25 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning. During this time, the tomatoes will break down and create a chunky sauce base.
- Add Herbs and Seasonings: Stir in the fresh basil, Italian parsley, honey, salt, and ground black pepper. Continue to simmer the sauce for another 10 minutes to meld the flavors together thoroughly.
- Final Touch: After simmering, you can serve the sauce chunky as is or transfer it to a food processor or blender for a smoother consistency, depending on your preference. Adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor. Roma or plum tomatoes work well.
- The honey balances the acidity of the tomatoes but can be adjusted or omitted based on taste preferences.
- This sauce can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Fresh herbs add a bright flavor; dried herbs can be substituted but use about 1 tsp of each instead of fresh.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
