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To make fresh marinara sauce, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Here is what you will need: - 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, preferably Roma or vine-ripened - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt, to taste - Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - Fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped (about 1/2 cup) These ingredients create a rich and flavorful sauce that enhances any dish. You can add a few optional ingredients to boost flavor. These include: - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat) - 1 tablespoon sugar (to balance acidity) These ingredients let you customize the sauce to your taste. When choosing your ingredients, freshness is key. Here are some tips: - Tomatoes: Look for ripe tomatoes that feel heavy for their size. They should have a sweet smell. - Garlic: Choose firm bulbs with no soft spots. Fresh garlic adds great flavor. - Onion: Select onions that are firm and heavy. Avoid any with soft spots or blemishes. - Basil: Use fresh basil with vibrant green leaves. Avoid any yellow or wilting leaves. By selecting high-quality ingredients, you ensure your marinara sauce is the best it can be. Start by preparing the tomatoes. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Take your ripe tomatoes, and make a small 'X' on the bottom of each. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the tomatoes. Blanch them for 30 seconds. This step helps with peeling. After that, transfer them to a bowl of ice water. Let them cool for a few minutes. Now, remove the skins. You can chop them roughly and remove the seeds if you want a smoother sauce. Next, heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Pour in the extra-virgin olive oil. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion. Stir and cook it until soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. It should smell sweet and fragrant. After the onion is ready, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if you like heat. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Keep an eye on the garlic; you don’t want it to burn. Now it's time for the tomatoes. Pour the chopped tomatoes into the pan and stir. Bring the mix to a gentle simmer. After that, add dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. If you find the sauce too acidic, add a tablespoon of sugar. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes. Stir it occasionally. This will help it thicken nicely. In the last few minutes, add the roughly chopped fresh basil. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once done, let it cool slightly before serving or storing. This recipe is simple and packed with flavor. Enjoy your homemade marinara sauce! One common mistake is using low-quality tomatoes. Always choose ripe, fresh tomatoes. They give the best taste. Another mistake is adding too much garlic at once. Garlic can burn fast, which makes the sauce bitter. Stir it in just before the tomatoes. To enhance your sauce, balance the acidity. A pinch of sugar can help. Fresh herbs brighten the flavor. Add basil towards the end of cooking for a fresh taste. You can also mix in some red pepper flakes for heat, but keep it mild if you prefer. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of water. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. Stir often to prevent sticking. Blend the sauce if you want a smoother texture. Adjusting the consistency is easy once you know how! {{image_2}} To make spicy marinara, add more red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon. If you like it hotter, add more to taste. You can also use fresh chili peppers. Chop them finely and add them when cooking the onion. This gives your sauce a nice kick. Making a vegan version is easy! Simply use the basic fresh marinara recipe. All the ingredients are plant-based. Just ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly. Optional ingredients like nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without using dairy. This keeps your sauce rich and tasty. You can enhance your marinara with extra ingredients. Try adding a splash of red wine. This gives depth to the flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley also work well. For a touch of sweetness, consider adding grated carrot. It blends well and boosts nutrition. Use the full recipe for classic fresh marinara sauce to get started. Mixing and matching these variations can help you find your perfect taste. To keep your fresh marinara sauce tasty, let it cool first. Once cool, transfer it to airtight containers. Glass jars or plastic containers work well. Store it in the fridge for up to five days. This way, you can enjoy it in pasta or on pizza anytime. Freezing is a great option for longer storage. Pour the sauce into freezer-safe containers, leaving space at the top. The sauce expands as it freezes. You can also use freezer bags, laying them flat to save space. Marinara sauce can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. To use, thaw it overnight in the fridge or place the bag in cold water. Reheating marinara sauce is simple. Use a pot on low heat, stirring often. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. Add a splash of water or broth if it looks too thick. Leftover marinara sauce can be used in many meals. Try it with pasta, as a pizza base, or in meat dishes. The versatility makes it a kitchen staple. You can make marinara sauce using canned tomatoes. Start by draining the tomatoes. Crush them in a bowl or use a food processor for a smoother texture. Heat olive oil in a pan. Add chopped onions, cooking until soft. Then, add minced garlic and cook for a minute. Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This will give the sauce a rich flavor. Yes, you can use various tomatoes for marinara sauce. Roma tomatoes are common due to their low water content. However, you can also use vine-ripened, San Marzano, or even heirloom tomatoes. Each type brings a unique flavor. Just make sure they are ripe and sweet for the best taste. Marinara sauce pairs well with many dishes. Here are some ideas: - Pasta: Spaghetti or penne are classic choices. - Pizza: Use it as a base sauce for homemade pizza. - Dipping: Serve with garlic bread or mozzarella sticks. - Meatballs: A hearty addition to your meatball subs. - Veggies: Pour over roasted vegetables for a tasty twist. To make my classic fresh marinara, gather these ingredients: - 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, preferably Roma or vine-ripened - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped (about 1/2 cup) - Salt, to taste - Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity) Follow the cooking steps in the full recipe to enjoy a rich and vibrant marinara sauce. You learned how to make fresh marinara sauce from scratch. We covered essential and optional ingredients, cooking steps, and common mistakes. Remember to select fresh tomatoes for the best flavor. You can also try spicy or vegan variations to mix things up. Proper storage is key for keeping your sauce tasty. With all this, you'll create delicious marinara sauce every time. Enjoy experimenting and sharing your sauce with others. Trust your taste. Happy cooking!

Fresh Marinara Sauce

Elevate your pasta dishes with this classic fresh marinara sauce recipe! Using ripe tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil, this sauce bursts with flavor and is easier to make than you think. Perfect for spaghetti night or a cozy dinner, our step-by-step guide will help you create the ideal homemade sauce. Click to explore the full recipe and discover how to bring an authentic taste of Italy to your table!
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Ingredients
  

2 lbs ripe tomatoes, preferably Roma or vine-ripened

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped (about 1/2 cup)

Salt, to taste

Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Instructions
 

Begin by preparing the tomatoes. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Make a small 'X' incision on the bottom of each tomato. Once boiling, blanch the tomatoes for 30 seconds, then transfer them to an ice bath to cool. After cooling, peel off the skins and roughly chop the tomatoes, removing seeds if desired.

    In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes.

      Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).

        Pour the chopped tomatoes into the pan, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

          Add the dried oregano, salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and optionally, the sugar. This will help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

            Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.

              In the last few minutes of cooking, stir in the fresh basil. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

                Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly before serving or storing.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | Makes about 4 cups

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the marinara sauce over your favorite pasta, garnished with additional fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (if desired). You can also serve it alongside crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy your homemade sauce!