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30-Minute Marinara Sauce Recipe

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4.3 from 80 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful 30-minute marinara sauce made with whole peeled tomatoes, infused with garlic, chili, oregano, and fresh basil. This sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for various Italian dishes, delivering a rich taste with a quick and simple preparation.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes (may substitute diced or crushed)
  • 1 (14-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes (may substitute diced or crushed)
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, lightly crushed
  • 1 small fresh chili pepper such as fresno, minced; or a generous pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano, or more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fine salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 5 fresh basil leaves, torn or coarsely chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tomatoes: Open both cans of whole peeled tomatoes and crush them lightly by hand or with a spoon to create a chunky texture suitable for the sauce.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the lightly crushed garlic cloves and minced chili pepper or red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour the crushed tomatoes into the saucepan with the garlic and chili. Stir in the dried oregano, fine salt, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Simmer the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
  5. Add Fresh Basil: Stir in the torn fresh basil leaves during the last 5 minutes of cooking to infuse the sauce with a fresh herbaceous note.
  6. Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust salt, oregano, or chili pepper according to preference. Remove the garlic cloves before serving. Serve warm with your favorite pasta, pizza, or recipe.

Notes

  • You can substitute diced or crushed tomatoes if whole peeled tomatoes aren’t available.
  • Adjust chili pepper quantity to control the spice level.
  • For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender for a few seconds before simmering.
  • This marinara sauce freezes well in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
  • Removing the garlic cloves before serving prevents an overpowering garlic flavor.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/30-minute-marinara-sauce-recipe/