Basic Marinara Sauce

Marinara sauce is a classic staple in any kitchen – it’s simple, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re making a quick pasta dinner, a homemade pizza, or using it as a dipping sauce for your favorite appetizers, having a jar of homemade marinara sauce on hand can truly elevate your meals. Today, we’ll walk you through how to make a basic marinara sauce from scratch that’s bursting with fresh flavors and perfect for any occasion.

**Basic Marinara Sauce**

**Ingredients:**
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**
1. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine with the onion and garlic mixture.

4. Sprinkle in the sugar, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

6. After simmering, taste the marinara sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend it with an immersion blender or in a regular blender for a few seconds.

7. Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency and flavor, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving.

8. Serve the marinara sauce over your favorite pasta, use it as a base for pizza, or enjoy it as a dipping sauce with crusty bread. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra pop of flavor if desired.

Making your own marinara sauce at home is not only delicious but also allows you to control the ingredients and customize it to your taste preferences. This basic marinara sauce recipe is a great starting point, and you can always add other herbs, spices, or vegetables to make it your own. Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for longer storage.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, mastering the art of homemade marinara sauce is a skill that will serve you well in creating delicious meals for yourself and your loved ones. So, grab a pot, some fresh ingredients, and get ready to simmer up a batch of this flavorful sauce that will soon become a kitchen essential in your home.