Jan's Marinara Sauce
Elevate your Italian-inspired dishes with Jan's Marinara Sauce, a rich and flavorful homemade recipe that's easy to whip up in under an hour. Featuring the perfect balance of crushed tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a generous handful of fresh basil, this classic sauce is simmered to perfection with a touch of tomato paste, oregano, and a hint of sugar for subtle sweetness. Customize the heat with optional red pepper flakes, and enjoy its versatility as a pasta topper, pizza base, or dipping sauce. With just 10 minutes of prep and ingredients you likely already have on hand, this crowd-pleasing marinara sauce is perfect for weeknight meals or make-ahead meal prep.
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 cup Water
- 1 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
Directions
Step 1
Heat a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to warm up for about 30 seconds.
Step 2
Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent.
Step 3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, taking care not to let the garlic burn.
Step 4
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
Step 5
Add the water and stir again until the sauce has a smooth consistency.
Step 6
Stir in the chopped fresh basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Reduce the heat to low.
Step 7
Cover the pan with a lid, leaving it slightly ajar to allow steam to escape. Simmer the sauce gently for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 8
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or a pinch more sugar if needed.
Step 9
Serve the marinara sauce over cooked pasta, use as a pizza sauce, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavor improves even more the next day!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1466.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 610.0 |
| Total Fat 30.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 4.4g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3396.3mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 77.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 22.3g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 42.7g | |
| Protein 18.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 457.9mg | 0% |
| Iron 16.7mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2699.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories