Why Classic Red Sauce (Marinara) is Special to Me
Marinara sauce is one of those recipes that reminds me of the heart of home cooking—simple, flavorful, and comforting. Growing up, my family would make marinara sauce from scratch using ripe tomatoes from our garden. There was something special about simmering the sauce on the stove, filling the house with the scent of garlic, basil, and tomatoes. It was a sauce that brought us together, whether we were having a big family meal or a casual weeknight dinner.
What I love about marinara is its versatility. You can keep it basic or make it your own by adding different vegetables, spices, or even a splash of wine. It’s a sauce that can adapt to so many dishes—spaghetti, lasagna, eggplant Parmesan, or simply served with crusty bread for dipping. For me, marinara is more than just a sauce; it’s a comforting memory of home-cooked meals shared with family and friends.
Ingredients
For the Marinara Sauce:2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 (28 oz) can whole peeled tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes, if preferred)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Cooking Tools / Utensils Needed
Large saucepan or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or spatula
Can opener
Knife and chopping board
Measuring spoons and cups
Ladle (for serving)
The Classic Red Sauce (Marinara) Making Process
1. Sauté the AromaticsHeat olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
2. Add the Tomatoes and HerbsIf you're using whole peeled tomatoes, crush them by hand or with a spoon. Add the tomatoes (crushed or whole) to the pot, along with the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
3. Simmer the SauceBring the sauce to a simmer and reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and develop rich flavors. If you find the sauce too acidic, add the sugar to balance the taste.
4. Adjust SeasoningTaste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend it to your desired consistency, or leave it chunky for more texture.
5. Serve and GarnishOnce the marinara sauce has reached your desired consistency and flavor, remove it from the heat. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve over your favorite pasta, as a pizza topping, or alongside bread for dipping.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, based on 6 servings)
Calories: 80
Protein: 2g
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 2g (Note: The nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)
Final Thoughts
Classic Red Sauce (Marinara) is one of those timeless recipes that never disappoints. It’s simple to make but full of flavor, and it’s perfect for so many dishes. Whether you’re making a classic spaghetti dinner or just dipping some warm bread, this marinara sauce is sure to be a hit.
For me, marinara brings back memories of home-cooked meals, shared stories, and laughter around the table. It’s a sauce that’s easy to make, yet full of heart. If you’ve never made your own marinara from scratch, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. It’s a great way to elevate any meal, and once you make it yourself, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought versions. Enjoy!
