Description
A rich, flavorful, and versatile classic Italian marinara sauce made with garlic, onions, and crushed tomatoes, perfect for pasta, pizza, and more.
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 can (28 oz / 800g) crushed tomatoes (San Marzano if possible)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp sugar (cuts acidity)
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
Black pepper to taste
Fresh basil (optional, for finish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well.
- Add sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, chili flakes (if using), and black pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Stir in fresh basil right at the end if you have it on hand.
Notes
Add a splash of red wine after cooking the tomato paste for deeper flavor.
Stir in a knob of butter before finishing for richer texture.
Blend for a smooth sauce or leave chunky for a rustic feel.
Adjust chili flakes for desired spice level or add smoked paprika for smoky twist.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.
Reheat gently on stove, stirring occasionally.
Use canned crushed tomatoes for consistent flavor; fresh tomatoes require peeling, seeding, crushing, and longer simmering.
Add a finely grated carrot while cooking onions to reduce acidity naturally.
Recipe is naturally vegan; omit butter or use plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (125ml)
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
