Description
A simple and flavorful homemade marinara sauce made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and a hint of red pepper flakes, perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping.
Ingredients
Marinara Sauce Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (smashed with the side of a knife)
- 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes (I like Tuttorosso)
- 1 small bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dry oregano
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Fresh black pepper (to taste)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: In a medium pot or deep skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat to prepare the base for the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the smashed garlic cloves and sauté until golden, about 30 to 60 seconds, making sure not to burn them for optimal flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then season with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, dry oregano, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and place the bay leaf. Stir everything to combine well.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the sauce simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add Fresh Basil: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the fresh chopped basil right before serving to retain its fragrance and freshness.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
- Use fresh tomatoes in season if preferred, but canned crushed tomatoes are convenient and provide consistent flavor.
- This sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender after simmering.
