Homemade Marinara Sauce

Ingredients

1. 1

   Step 1

   Sauté aromatics

   • Ingredients:
     • 2 tablespoons olive oil
     • 1 small onion, finely diced
   • Action: Warm the oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes, stirring, until softened and translucent.
2. 2

   Step 2

   Bloom the garlic

   • Ingredients:
     • 3 cloves garlic, minced
   • Action: Stir the garlic into the onions and cook 30 seconds until fragrant—avoid browning.
3. 3

   Step 3

   Add tomatoes and seasoning

   • Ingredients:
     • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
     • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
     • 1 teaspoon dried basil
     • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
     • 1 teaspoon salt
     • 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
     • Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
   • Action: Pour in tomatoes and add spices, sugar if using, salt, pepper, and pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
4. 4

   Step 4

   Simmer

   • Ingredients:
     • Sauce mixture
   • Action: Bring sauce to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook 20–25 minutes uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
5. 5

   Step 5

   Adjust and serve

   • Ingredients:
     • Additional salt or pepper to taste
   • Action: Taste and adjust seasoning. Use immediately over pasta or cool for storage.

Equipment

• Medium saucepan

• Chef's knife

• Cutting board

• Wooden spoon

• Measuring spoons