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55 minutes Easy

Homemade Marinara Sauce

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Have you ever heard of the KISS principle?

Keep it simple stupid. Calling someone stupid isn’t nice, but the rest is spot on. My recipe for Homemade Marinara Sauce follows this principle and is adapted from a 1992 recipe published by Marcella Hazan in Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking. This isn’t a classic marinara sauce because it’s missing garlic, olive oil, and herbs. With the easy addition of those, you’ve got marinara sauce.

Because of the few amount of ingredients, it’s of the utmost importance that you use the highest quality available to get the best result. Especially with respect to the tomatoes, use San Marzano if you can find some. High quality olive oil is the next most important, followed by fresh herbs. Let all of these high quality ingredients simmer together for about 45 minutes, and you’ll end up with a high quality Homemade Marinara Sauce that rivals your favorite Italian restaurant’s.

What is Marinara Sauce?

The history of marinara sauce is deeply intertwined with the history of Italian cuisine, particularly in the region of Naples. While the exact origins of marinara sauce are not definitively known, it is believed to have emerged in the 16th century. Here’s a brief overview of the history of marinara sauce:

  • Origins: The word “marinara” in Italian means “sailor-style,” suggesting that the sauce has roots in the maritime culture of Naples. It is believed that marinara sauce was initially created by Neapolitan sailors or fishermen as a simple and quick sauce to accompany their seafood dishes. The sailors would use readily available ingredients, including tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs, to make a flavorful sauce while at sea.
  • Introduction of Tomatoes: Tomatoes, a key ingredient in marinara sauce, were introduced to Italy from the Americas in the 16th century. Initially met with skepticism and considered poisonous by some Europeans, tomatoes were eventually embraced in Naples and became a staple in the local cuisine. Tomatoes were an ideal ingredient for marinara sauce due to their natural acidity, bright flavor, and ability to enhance the taste of other ingredients.
  • Evolution and Popularization: Over time, marinara sauce evolved from a simple, rustic sauce into a popular component of Italian cuisine. It became a beloved staple in Naples and gradually spread throughout Italy. The sauce’s popularity was further bolstered by Italian immigrants who brought their culinary traditions, including marinara sauce, to countries like the United States, where it gained widespread recognition.
  • Key Ingredients and Preparation: Traditional marinara sauce is known for its simplicity and the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. The sauce typically includes tomatoes (either fresh or canned), garlic, olive oil, onions, herbs (such as basil and oregano), salt, and pepper. The ingredients are combined and cooked over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in a vibrant and flavorful sauce.
  • Versatility and Culinary Application: Marinara sauce’s versatility is one of its defining features. While it was originally used as a sauce for seafood dishes, it has since become a popular base sauce for various Italian dishes. It is commonly used as a pasta sauce, pizza sauce, dipping sauce, and as a base for other sauces and dishes.

Today, marinara sauce is celebrated as one of the foundational sauces in Italian cuisine. It represents the simplicity, freshness, and vibrant flavors that are characteristic of Mediterranean cooking. Whether enjoyed as a classic pasta sauce or used as a versatile ingredient in other dishes, marinara sauce continues to be a beloved and essential component of Italian and Italian-American cuisine.

Homemade Marinara Sauce

5.0 from 1 vote
Course: SidesCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

45

minutes
Total time

55

minutes

A few simple ingredients – chopped tomatoes, onion, garlic, butter, olive oil, herbs – slowly simmered until the flavors are well combined make for an easy, restaurant quality marinara sauce

Ingredients

  • 28 ounces chopped tomatoes

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 4 tablespoons butter

  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed

  • 1 small yellow onion, halved

  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Directions

  • In a medium sauce, combine all ingredients; chopped tomatoes, olive oil, butter, crushed garlic, halved yellow onion, fresh oregano, salt, and pepper.
  • Bring to a simmer over medium high heat. Once it reaches a simmer (slight boil), turn the heat down to to low and continue simmering for 45 minutes. Stir every so often, mashing the onion and garlic against the bottom and sides of the pan to release as much flavor as possible.
  • Remove the pan from the heat once the 45 minutes is up. Remove the onion and garlic and stir well.
  • Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in a refrigerator for up to several days.

Recipe Video

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