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A wooden spoon holding up a large spoonful of homemade marinara sauce over a pot filled with the simmering sauce.

Homemade Marinara Sauce

Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 67kcal
Author: Kris Longwell
Homemade Marinara Sauce is a must for when you want your favorite Italian dishes to be the very best they can be. The sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance and freezes beautifully.
Print Recipe

Equipment

  • Colander
  • 1 large skillet (12-inch) or Dutch oven

Ingredients

  • 3 28 oz. cans tomatoes whole, San Marzano are the best
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup garlic finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoon basil fresh, chopped
  • 2 tablespoon parsley fresh, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Drain the tomatoes in a colander set in a large bowl for 5 minutes. Reserve the tomato liquid.
    3 28 oz. cans tomatoes
  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the garlic and cook it, stirring, for about 5 minutes, or until it is golden brown. It should turn golden brown, but don't let it burn!
    ¼ cup olive oil, ¼ cup garlic
  • Add the basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for 30 seconds.
    3 tablespoon basil, 2 tablespoon parsley, 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Add just the tomatoes (not the juice...hold onto the juice). Break the tomatoes up with your hands as you add them to the pot.
  • Increase the heat to high, and cook them for 5 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat and simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes.
  • Add the reserved tomato liquid.
  • Bring to a simmer, partially cover, and cook for 12 minutes, until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
  • Turn off the heat and let rest for at least an hour.

Video

Notes

NOTE: Watch the video near the top of the recipe for visual guidance.
Keep an eye on the garlic as you sauté it. You want it golden, but not dark brown or black. If this happens, you'll need to toss it and start again. Medium heat works well.
The prepared sauce will keep covered in the fridge for up to 5 to 6 days and will freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. 

Nutrition

Calories: 67kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 292mg | Potassium: 26mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 127IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.2mg