Easy, Healthy Marinara Sauce Recipe
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Homemade marinara sauce is quick, healthy, and full of flavor. You only need a few simple ingredients and about 30 minutes to make a sauce that tastes fresher than anything in a jar. This easy recipe lets you control what goes in, so it’s perfect for anyone looking for a healthier and tastier option for pasta night.
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What you’ll love about this recipe
What goes into this marinara sauce
Ingredient List
How to make homemade healthy marinara sauce
Prepare the ingredients: Mince the garlic and onion, chop the fresh herbs, and measure out the wine and tomatoes. Heat a little olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
STEP 1: Once the oil in the pan is hot, add the garlic and onions; cook over medium-high heat for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
STEP 2: Gradually add the red wine and cook while stirring occasionally over medium heat until the wine cooks down.
STEP 3: Stir in the tomatoes and herbs; reduce to low heat; cover and simmer for at least 15 minutes.
Helpful Tips for the Perfect Sauce
- If you like your marinara a little sweeter, add a finely grated carrot to the pan with the onions and garlic, or stir in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup.
- This recipe is naturally low in sodium. Taste after adding the tomatoes and add salt and black pepper as needed.
- For extra flavor, drop in a piece of parmesan cheese rind while the sauce simmers.
- Want a smooth sauce? Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the sauce before simmering.
- A splash of lemon juice added just before serving brings out the fresh flavors.
What is marinara sauce?
Marinara sauce is a classic Italian tomato sauce made with simple, wholesome ingredients. I prefer to use ripe, fresh tomatoes when they’re in season, or canned tomatoes with little or no added salt. I skip the sugar and add plenty of fresh herbs like basil and oregano for the best flavor.
Using fresh ingredients makes the sauce bright and vibrant—so much better than anything from a jar. Making it at home also gives you full control, so you can leave out or adjust sugar and salt for a healthier sauce.
How to store leftover marinara sauce
Most pasta sauces taste even better a day or two after they’re made, and this homemade spaghetti sauce is no exception.
Let it cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. To use frozen sauce, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove over low heat.
Delicious ways to enjoy marinara sauce
This easy homemade marinara sauce is suited for so many Italian dishes, serve it over meatballs like these vegetarian eggplant meatballs, zucchini noodles, homemade manicotti, eggplant parmesan casserole, chicken parmesan or enjoy it as a spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta dishes.
Easy ways to change up this sauce
Spicy – Stir in one to two teaspoons of red pepper flakes (or more if you like extra heat).
Vegetable – Add in sauteed vegetables like chopped carrots, zucchini, or bell pepper with the onions and garlic for a hearty twist.
Mushroom Marinara – Toss in sliced mushrooms at the end of cooking for extra flavor and texture.
Meat Sauce – For a richer sauce, add ½ pound of cooked lean ground beef, chicken, or turkey to the marinara.
Alcohol free- Red wine adds a nice flavor to the marinara sauce, but you would rather not use it, you can replace it with a tablespoon or two to taste of balsamic vinegar or vegetable broth.
Try these homemade sauce recipes
Recipe FAQs
This is an easy recipe to make in a Crock pot or slow cooker. All that you need to do is saute the onions and garlic in a skillet on your stove top. Add the wine and let it cook down, then add the garlic and onions to the slow cooker with the tomatoes, cook on low for at least 3 hours.
Homemade marinara sauce is a healthy choice because it contains simple, fresh ingredients without any additives. Tomatoes provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Yes, this sauce is versatile and can be enjoyed by anyone. As long as there is no cheese added, this sauce is a vegan marinara sauce.
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Homemade Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon[ olive oil]
- 1 onion medium, minced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
- 24 ounces strained tomatoes no salt added tomatoes (passata)]
- 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes or canned organic diced low sodium
- 1 1 /2 teaspoons fine sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Mince 4 cloves garlic, chop 1 onion and 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano. Measure the wine and tomatoes and heat the olive oil in a saucepan or dutch oven over high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the garlic and onions and cook over medium-high heat. Cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
- Gradually stir in 1/2 cup red wine and reduce to low – medium heat until the wine cooks down.
- Add 24 ounces strained tomatoes and 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes. Reduce to low heat and simmer on low for at least 10 minutes.
- Add the fresh chopped herbs and season with salt to taste.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and can vary based on cooking methods and ingredients used
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We love this homemade marinara sauce!!! It was soo good!! My go-to recipe!
On the stove right now. Waiting for the red wine to be absorbed. Can’t wait for it to be done. Already smells so good
Enjoy Jennifer!