Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe
This Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe is a make-ahead-friendly, family-style Italian sauce that fills the kitchen with classic comfort. The homemade marinara sauce uses San Marzano canned tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and herbs simmered over medium heat until the sauce becomes rich, balanced, and perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping bread.
Servings: 16
Calories: 46kcal
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s Knife
- Wooden spoon
- Immersion blender (stick blender)
Ingredients
- 4 cans (28 ounces each) whole San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand with juices
- 3 cups chopped onion
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 whole head of garlic (cloves peeled and finely chopped)
- ½ cup white wine
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 medium carrot
- 2 bay leaves
- ½–1 (28 ounce) can water (use the empty tomato can to measure)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the finely chopped garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and allow it to simmer for 2–3 minutes so it reduces slightly.
- Add the crushed San Marzano tomatoes and ½-1 full empty tomato can of water. Stir in the Italian seasoning, then add the carrot and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally as the sauce thickens.
- Remove the carrot and bay leaves. Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until smooth.
Video
Notes
Cooking Notes:
Simmer the sauce gently so the tomatoes develop sweetness and depth without tasting acidic.
Tips for Best Results:
- Cook onions slowly until soft before adding tomatoes.
- Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer instead of boiling.
- Remove bay leaves and carrot before blending.
- Blend until smooth for a classic marinara texture.
Nutrition
Calories: 46kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 64mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 644IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 0.3mg
