Easy Marinara Sauce

Marinara Sauce is my favorite!  I do not need meat to make a great sauce.  Good ingredients seal the deal. 

11/2/2024 new photo


4 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion sliced thin, or minced (I usually grate in finely) I do t mind thinly sliced but hubby does not.

1/2 medium carrot, cleaned, finely grated (optional) it does sweeten sauce.
1 small sweet pepper diced thin(optional)
2 cloves garlic minced
2 cans crushed tomatoes
2 to 4 fresh basil leaves or 1 tsp  dried basil
1/2 tsp. salt or salt to your taste 
1/4 tsp.red pepper(optional)

Saute onion and carrot in olive oil until translucent..Add diced pepper if using and garlic..cook one minute..Add crushed tomatoes, salt and red pepper..Cook over medium heat stirring occasionally about 30 to 45 minutes or more until it reduces slightly. The sauce will thicken slightly.

 Cook pasta, drain and toss with sauce and of course some good Italian cheese...Easy and delicious !

Marinara Sauce (a little more involved)( Mom's Recipe)

2 tablespoons olive 
1 small onion finely grated
2 cloves garlic,minced
1 can 2 lb. 3 oz. Italian Plum tomatoes undrained
 1 large can tomato puree
1 tsp. dried or several fresh basil leaves
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper

In large skillet over medium heat, heat oil ..add onion, cook until translucent, add garlic, cook 1 minute. Add plum tomatoes with their liquid mashing tomatoes with fork until mixture is slightly chunky..Stir in puree, basil,  salt and pepper.

Cook over medium low heat uncovered and stirring occasionally (30 minutes) Sauce will reduce to about 3 1/2 cups...

Happy Cooking from my kitchen to yours,

8/22/12
10/7/14
1/30/17