🍅🧄 Grandma’s 15-Minute Marinara (Simple, Bold, and Straight from the Heart)

By RichardObradovic | Italian | Jun 06, 2025

Description

This marinara is what grandma made when she didn’t want to cook – and somehow, it still tasted like she spent hours on it. Ripe tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and just enough salt and basil to make your kitchen smell like Sunday in Napoli. It’s quick, honest, and ridiculously good on everything.

Ingredients

🍅 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) crushed or diced tomatoes

🧄 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

🫒 2 tbsp olive oil

🧂 Salt to taste

🌿 1/2 tsp dried oregano or a few torn fresh basil leaves

🌶️ Optional: pinch of chili flakes

Preparation

1️⃣ In a small saucepan, heat 🫒 olive oil over medium heat.

2️⃣ Add 🧄 garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds – don’t let it brown).

3️⃣ Pour in 🍅 tomatoes, add 🧂 salt, 🌿 herbs, and 🌶️ chili if using.

4️⃣ Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes until thickened.

5️⃣ Taste and adjust seasoning. Done.

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