Sure you can buy ready made marinara sauce from your local grocery store. But, how about saving some money and making it yourself? Sound good? This quick marinara sauce can be used in many different ways: lasagna, spaghetti, pizza, breadsticks…the list goes on.
The great thing about this sauce is that it tastes even better the next day. Not only that, you can make a batch, freeze it, and thaw it out later in the month for quick marinara-covered spaghetti lunch or dinner!
Recipe
How to Make Marinara Sauce in 30 Minutes
This basic marinara sauce will become your new favorite addition to any Italian meal! Use it the same day or freeze & thaw for an easy meal later in the month!
Ingredients
- 28 ounce can of stewed tomatoes preferrably san marzano
- 6 ounce can of tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley or 4 tablespoons fresh
- 1.5 cloves garlic (minced)
- ⅓ cup onion
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional) I used coconut palm sugar
Instructions
- In a food processor or blender, place tomatoes, tomato paste, parsley, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- In a large skillet, over medium heat, saute finely chopped onion in olive oil for 2 minutes or until translucent. Add bay leaf and stir again for 20 seconds.
- Add blended tomato sauce and vegetable broth to skillet. Cover and simmer for 18-20 min. Turn off stove. If adding sugar sprinkle in a little at a time.
- Taste and adjust spices to your liking. Don't forget to remove bay leaf.
Freezing intructions
- Cool sauce to room temperature, and ladle into zip-top freezer bags or plastic containers. Depending on the size of your household, freeze in 1-3 cup (max) batches. Store up to 4 months.
Thawing and Re-heating Instructions
- Thaw sauce in refrigerator overnight or place frozen sauce in saucepan and cover. Stir occasionally until sauce comes to a simmer. Sauce can also be thawed in microwave until heated through.
Mix-ins and Variation
- Chopped veggies, Spinach, Sauteed mushrooms, Roasted red bell peppers; Variations: make it Indian-Style (see link below), make it cheesy with Vegan cheese or nooch (nutritional yeast), or get creative!
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