🍅 Classic Marinara Sauce (Bright, Herby, and Homemade Always Wins)
SaucesItalian RichardObradovic Jun 16, 2025 37
Description
This classic marinara is the soul of Italian cooking — no shortcuts, just simmered tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil. It’s light, fragrant, and perfect on pasta, pizza, or just a slice of rustic bread.
Ingredients
🍅 800 g canned whole peeled tomatoes (28 oz)
🧄 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
🫒 30 ml extra virgin olive oil (2 tbsp)
🌿 5–6 fresh basil leaves
🧂 Salt to taste
🌶️ Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
🍬 Optional: 2 g sugar (½ tsp) if tomatoes are too acidic
Preparation
1️⃣ Sauté garlic: Heat olive oil in a saucepan. Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1–2 minutes, just until golden.
2️⃣ Add tomatoes: Crush tomatoes by hand and add to the pan with their juice. Stir well.
3️⃣ Simmer: Add basil and a pinch of salt. Simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
4️⃣ Adjust: Taste and adjust salt or add sugar if needed. Remove basil before serving or blend in for richness.
Total Time
🛠️ Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🕒 Total: 35 min
Nutritional Value
🔥 90 kcal
💪 Protein: 2 g
🧈 Fat: 6 g (Saturated: 1 g)
🍞 Carbohydrates: 8 g
🧂 Sodium: 260 mg
Advice
Always cook uncovered — you want the sauce to thicken and concentrate, not steam.
Status
🍅 Just tomatoes, garlic, and love — this classic marinara turns any dish into something Italian.
#GrannyZen #MarinaraSauce #ItalianBasics #SimpleSauceMagic
