Marinara Sauce
A versatile and flavorful marinara sauce featuring ripe tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and a hint of garlic. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce, it suits family dinners and casual gatherings alike, bringing a taste of Italy to your table with rich, aromatic flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Saute chopped onion and green pepper until transparent.
- Add the tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes to the saucepan.
- Stir in dried garlic, basil, oregano, pepper, and parsley.
- Simmer the sauce for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider incorporating a splash of red wine while the sauce simmers. If you don't have dried herbs, fresh basil and oregano can be used instead—just double the amount. You can also substitute the green pepper with chopped zucchini or mushrooms for a different twist. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
This marinara sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile addition to your meal repertoire. Serve it over spaghetti for a classic dinner, or use it as a base for baked ziti. It also complements Italian recipes like Eggplant Parmesan. Consider serving a side of Italian Slaw for a refreshing crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. It can also be frozen for up to three months; just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marinara Sauce contains roughly 390 calories, with 12g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (68% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (62% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! About 2-3 pounds of ripe tomatoes will work well. Blanch them to remove the skins, then chop and cook them down to achieve a similar consistency to canned crushed tomatoes.
How can I make this sauce thicker?
To thicken your marinara sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a longer period, allowing excess moisture to evaporate. Alternatively, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste or a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to achieve the desired thickness.
Is this sauce suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This marinara sauce is naturally vegan-friendly since it contains no animal products. It's a great option for those following vegan recipes, and you can enhance it with vegetables for added nutrition and flavor.
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).