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    Mediterranean Diet Recipes » Marinara Sauce

    Marinara Sauce

    Published: Mar 15, 2021 · Modified: Mar 15, 2021 by Cathy Trochelman · 7 Comments

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    Marinara Sauce is a key ingredient in Italian cuisine, and when it comes to marinara, there's no substitute for homemade! This easy recipe combines San Marzano tomatoes with onions, garlic, shredded carrots, and fresh herbs in a flavorful sauce that will take any dish to the next level.

    Overhead shot of Homemade Marinara Sauce in a sauce pan

    When it comes to any pasta dish, we all know that sauce is boss. A good sauce makes all the difference, and it has the power to  transform basic noodles into a gourmet dinner.

    Of course, when it comes to sauce... homemade is ALWAYS best. And this Homemade Marinara Sauce does not disappoint. Made with a simple combination of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and fresh herbs, it's bright, fresh, and SO delicious.

    I've definitely tried my fair share of store bought marinara sauces over the years, and aside from never having quite the right flavor, they also tend to have tons of added sugar. Which is the last thing I'm looking for in a pasta sauce... and the exact reason I added shredded carrots to mine. Between the carrots and the caramelized tomato paste, this marinara has just the right amount of sweetness... without any added sugar!

    Best of all, you don't have to spend all day making it. This sauce is ready in just 30 minutes. And once you try it... you'll never go store bought again.

    Plate of pasta with Homemade Marinara Sauce and fresh basil

    Marinara Sauce Ingredients

    Tomatoes - As the main ingredient in this recipe, high quality tomatoes are a MUST. I used San Marzano, which are a type of plum tomatoes known for their balanced flavor that combines sweetness, intensity, and just the right amount of acid. For texture purposes I used a combination of whole and crushed tomatoes. I also added a touch of tomato paste for extra richness.

    Garlic - This recipe calls for 4-6 cloves of garlic. As always, fresh is best!

    Onion - I use 1 whole yellow onion in my marinara sauce. Feel free to substitute white or Vidalia if you prefer.

    Carrots - Shredded carrots add just the right amount of balance and sweetness to the sauce and eliminate the need to add sugar. I used ½ cup of finely shredded carrots. (Hint: the more finely you shred them, the less noticeable they'll be!)

    Herbs - I used fresh basil and oregano for an extra pop of flavor. I always love using fresh herbs, but you can substitute dried if you prefer.

    Seasonings - Between the tomatoes, onion, garlic, carrots, and fresh herbs... the only extra seasonings this sauce needs are salt and pepper. 

    Olive Oil - I used 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for sautéing the vegetables. Don't skimp on the oil... it adds delicious flavor to the sauce!

    Marinara Sauce ingredients on a marble background

    How to make Homemade Marinara Sauce

    Saute the vegetables - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan on medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and carrots and saute 3-5 minutes, until tender.

    Add the tomato paste - Add the tomato paste to the saucepan and cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes to caramelize. This caramelization process concentrates the natural sugars in the paste and enhances the complexity of the sauce.

    Add the remaining ingredients - To the same pan, add the tomatoes, herbs, salt, pepper, and ½ cup water. Stirring occasionally, bring the mixture to a low boil.

    Simmer - Reduce the heat to simmer; simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to crush tomatoes to desired consistency.

    Sautéed onions, garlic, and shredded carrots in a saucepan

    Recipe variations

    • Substitute any variety of tomatoes (whole, diced, crushed) 
    • Add additional garlic cloves according to taste
    • Substitute 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar for the shredded carrots
    • Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
    • Use additional fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley
    • Add additional vegetables to the onion, garlic & carrot mixture (e.g. mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini)

    Homemade Marinara Sauce in a glass jar

    Recipes using Marinara Sauce

    • Zucchini Lasagna
    • Baked Spaghetti
    • Turkey Meatballs
    • Manicotti
    • Sausage & Pepper Sandwiches
    • Lasagna Stuffed Eggplant
    • Chicken Parmesan Casserole

    Overhead image of Marinara Sauce in a jar

    Continue to Content
    Marinara Sauce

    Marinara Sauce

    Yield: 6 cups
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes

    Marinara Sauce is a key ingredient in Italian cuisine, and when it comes to marinara, there's no substitute for homemade! This easy recipe combines San Marzano tomatoes with onions, garlic, shredded carrots, and fresh herbs in a flavorful sauce that will take any dish to the next level!

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 yellow onion, diced
    • 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
    • ½ cup finely shredded carrots
    • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
    • 28 oz. can whole, peeled San Marzano tomatoes
    • 28 oz. can crushed San Marzano tomatoes
    • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
    • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, minced
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • ½ cup water

    Instructions

    1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan on medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and carrots and saute 3-5 minutes, until tender.
    2. Add the tomato paste to the saucepan and cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes to caramelize.
    3. To the same pan, add the tomatoes, herbs, salt, pepper, and ½ cup water. Stirring occasionally, bring the mixture to a low boil.
    4. Reduce the heat to simmer; simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to crush tomatoes to desired consistency.

    Notes

    Recipe variations:

    • Substitute any variety of tomatoes (whole, diced, crushed) 
    • Add additional garlic cloves according to taste
    • Substitute 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar for the shredded carrots
    • Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
    • Use additional fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley
    • Add additional vegetables to the onion, garlic & carrot mixture (e.g. mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini)

    Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 55Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 188mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 2g
    © Cathy Trochelman
    Cuisine: Italian / Category: Dressings & Sauces

     

     

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert

      March 16, 2021 at 1:26 am

      I know for sure this Marinara Sauce would be a huge hit in my house!

      Reply
    2. Amanda Livesay

      March 16, 2021 at 12:00 pm

      This marinara is perfect! So simple but makes any pasta dish better!

      Reply
    3. Allyson Zea

      March 16, 2021 at 2:03 pm

      Used this with my instant pot spaghetti and it was perfect! SO YUM!

      Reply
    4. Inga Zahodnik

      March 16, 2021 at 3:58 pm

      Where does one buy San Marzano tomatoes ?? Fresh or Canned ?

      Reply
      • Cathy Trochelman

        April 07, 2021 at 12:25 pm

        They're canned, and most grocery stores carry them. If you can't find them, feel free to substitute any canned tomatoes.

        Reply
    5. Beth

      March 16, 2021 at 4:22 pm

      I love this recipe! Homemade anything is my favorite to make! So excited to make this!

      Reply
    6. Catalina

      March 16, 2021 at 4:30 pm

      I use a lot marinara sauce in the kitchen! It's so great to make it at home!

      Reply

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