Description
A quick, homemade 30-minute marinara sauce made with canned tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, herbs, and a touch of chili. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or meal prep, this fresh-tasting sauce is rich in flavor and pantry-friendly.
Ingredients
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 (14-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, lightly crushed
- 1 small fresh chili pepper, finely minced, or 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 5 fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
Instructions
- Pour both cans of tomatoes into a bowl and crush by hand or with a masher. Swirl 1/4 cup water in empty cans and add to the bowl.
- In a wide saucepan over medium-low heat, warm olive oil. Add crushed garlic and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add chili pepper or red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir in oregano, salt, and sugar. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low.
- Simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil. Serve warm or cool completely for storage.
Notes
- Use a food mill or blender for a smoother sauce.
- Add a parmesan rind or bay leaf for deeper flavor—remove before serving.
- Great for pasta, pizza, meatballs, or vegetables.
- Finish with extra basil or olive oil for freshness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
