Til'S Marinara Sauce
A rich, flavorful marinara sauce with tender tomatoes and aromatic herbs, perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for many Italian dishes. Suitable for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute all but the last three ingredients (olive oil, onions, garlic or garlic powder, chopped parsley, salt, sugar, pepper, oregano, basil).
- Add tomato paste, water, and peeled, chopped tomatoes to the sautéed mixture.
- Stir until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Lower heat to low and simmer for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the sauce to cook down and thicken.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine during the sautéing process. If fresh herbs are unavailable, dried ones can be used, but reduce the quantity by half. To save time, you can use canned tomatoes instead of fresh, but make sure they're high quality. If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it after cooking. This sauce is versatile and can also be used in recipes like Mostaccioli With Tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this marinara sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, for a classic Italian dish. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a fresh Chilled Pasta Salad. You can also use it as a base for pizza or in recipes like Diane'S Marinara Sauce. Top with grated Parmesan or fresh basil for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in portion-sized containers for up to three months. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Til'S Marinara Sauce contains roughly 1368 calories, with 12g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 118g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (86% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), and calcium (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2312mg per serving (101% 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 make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better after sitting for a day as the flavors meld. Just allow it to cool before storing in the fridge or freezer. When ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stove until warmed through.
What can I substitute for fresh tomatoes?
If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use canned whole or diced tomatoes. For every 10 cups of fresh tomatoes, use about 3-4 cans of tomatoes, depending on their size. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning as canned tomatoes can often be saltier.
Is this sauce suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This marinara sauce is naturally vegan as it does not contain any animal products. It's perfect for anyone following a vegan diet and can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes, from pasta to vegetable platters.
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).