Marinara Sauce (Tomatoes)
A hearty, flavorful marinara sauce featuring tomatoes, onions, green peppers, and herbs, perfect for pasta dishes, canning, or as a versatile sauce for various meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large enamel kettle, saute onions and green peppers in oil until onions are tender.
- Add garlic and saute for 3 minutes.
- Add the remaining ingredients: tomatoes, salt, rosemary, thyme, and basil.
- Simmer uncovered over low heat for 3 hours or until thick, stirring every 20 minutes.
- Pour into sterilized 1-pint canning jars, leaving 1-inch headspace; seal.
- Process in a pressure canner at 15 pounds pressure for 25 minutes.
- If using a pressure saucepan, add 20 minutes to the processing time.
- Store unprocessed sauce in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider roasting the tomatoes before adding them to the sauce. You can substitute fresh herbs for dried ones, using about three times the amount of fresh. If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This marinara sauce is versatile and can be used in various Italian recipes, from pasta to pizza.
Serving Suggestions
This marinara sauce pairs beautifully with pasta, making it a perfect complement to spaghetti or lasagna. Serve it alongside garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Consider using it as a base for Italian Ragout or as a topping for homemade pizzas using Dough For 12-Inch Pizza.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you plan to keep it longer, freeze the sauce in portion-sized containers for up to three months. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marinara Sauce (Tomatoes) contains roughly 1916 calories, with 47g protein, 237g carbohydrates, and 89g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (390% of the Daily Value), iron (112% of the Daily Value), and protein (93% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned tomatoes can be a convenient substitute. Use about three quarts of canned, crushed tomatoes. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning as needed, as canned tomatoes can sometimes be saltier.
How can I make this sauce vegan?
This marinara sauce is already vegan, as it contains only plant-based ingredients. You can use it in various vegan recipes, enhancing dishes with its rich flavor without any animal products.
What can I add to the sauce for extra flavor?
You can enhance the flavor by adding a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Fresh basil or oregano can also be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking for an aromatic finish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).