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Hearty Marinara Sauce Recipe

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4.1 from 78 reviews

This Hearty Marinara Sauce is a classic, flavorful tomato sauce perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for other dishes. It’s made with simple ingredients like garlic, crushed tomatoes, and fresh herbs, simmered to perfection to bring out rich, vibrant flavors in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 Tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering but not smoking.
  2. Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until golden and fragrant, careful not to burn it to avoid bitterness.
  3. Add crushed tomatoes and seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and the bay leaf. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  4. Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes to deepen the flavors and thicken the sauce.
  5. Finish with fresh basil: Turn off the heat, remove the bay leaf, and stir in the chopped fresh basil to add bright, herbal notes.
  6. Serve and enjoy: Use immediately over pasta, as a pizza base, or in your favorite recipes, savoring the hearty and aromatic marinara sauce.

Notes

  • Make sure to not burn the garlic as it will turn bitter.
  • Simmering time can be extended for a thicker sauce and richer flavor.
  • Fresh basil added at the end preserves its bright flavor.
  • Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.