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#### Instructions:
1. **Sauté the Aromatics:**
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
2. **Add the Tomatoes:**
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Mix well, ensuring the tomato paste is fully incorporated into the sauce. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, chop them up and add them in. Let the mixture come to a simmer.
3. **Season the Sauce:**
Add the sugar, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together and let it simmer on low heat for about 20-30 minutes. The sauce will thicken and develop a deeper flavor as it cooks. Stir occasionally to prevent burning or sticking to the bottom.
4. **Taste and Adjust:**
After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You may want to add a little more sugar if it’s too acidic, or more salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the sauce with an immersion blender for a few seconds.
5. **Finish and Serve:**
Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency and flavor, remove it from the heat. Garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves right before serving. This homemade marinara sauce can be used for pasta, pizza, or any other dish that calls for tomato sauce.
#### Why Nana Swears By This Recipe:
1. **Fresh Ingredients:** Unlike store-bought sauces that can contain preservatives, added sugars, and unnecessary additives, this homemade sauce is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. By using ripe tomatoes (or good-quality canned tomatoes) and fresh herbs, the flavors are vibrant and natural.
2. **Tastes Better:** One of the main reasons my nana stopped buying pasta sauce is because she believes **nothing compares** to the flavor of this homemade version. The onions and garlic sautéed in olive oil create a rich base that store-bought sauces can’t replicate. The combination of herbs like basil and oregano, plus a touch of sweetness from the sugar, brings the sauce to life in a way that feels homemade and comforting.
3. **Customizable:** This recipe is incredibly versatile. Nana likes to tweak it to suit her taste. For example, she might add a splash of red wine for depth of flavor or a pinch of Italian seasoning for a more robust taste. You can also add more or less garlic, herbs, or red pepper flakes depending on your preferences.
4. **Affordable and Easy to Make:** Making pasta sauce at home is not only more delicious but also budget-friendly. It’s a great way to get a rich, hearty sauce without spending a lot of money. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make—once you get the basics down, you can whip it up in no time.
5. **Healthy and Clean:** Homemade marinara sauce is free from preservatives and additives often found in store-bought options. By making your own, you have full control over the ingredients and can make sure your sauce is as healthy as it is delicious.
6. **Family Tradition:** For my nana, this recipe isn’t just about food—it’s about **tradition** and the joy of cooking for her family. It’s a recipe that’s been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own personal touch. Making this sauce feels like carrying on a family tradition, and it always brings back fond memories.
#### Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
1. **Perfect for Pasta Night:** This homemade marinara sauce is the ideal companion to any pasta dish. Whether you’re serving it with spaghetti, penne, or a comforting lasagna, the rich and aromatic flavors will elevate your meal. It’s the foundation of many Italian-inspired dishes, making it a must-have in your recipe repertoire.
2. **Perfect for Meal Prep:** This recipe makes a generous batch of sauce, which can be easily stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. This makes it perfect for meal prep, so you always have a delicious homemade sauce ready to go.
3. **Great for Pizza:** In addition to being the perfect pasta sauce, this marinara works beautifully as a pizza sauce, too. Spread it over pizza dough, top with cheese and your favorite toppings, and you have yourself a pizza night that’s far superior to anything you’ll find in a store-bought jar.
4. **Endless Pairings:** You can use this marinara sauce in so many ways—pasta, pizza, dipping breadsticks, or as a base for other dishes like eggplant Parmesan or stuffed peppers. The possibilities are endless, making it a versatile addition to your cooking arsenal.
#### Tips for Success:
– **Use Quality Tomatoes:** If possible, opt for high-quality canned tomatoes (such as San Marzano) for the best flavor. If using fresh tomatoes, be sure to remove the skins and seeds before adding them to the sauce for a smoother texture.
– **Slow Simmer for Depth of Flavor:** Letting the sauce simmer on low heat for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and deepens the taste. The longer it simmers, the better it gets!
– **Experiment with Additions:** Feel free to get creative! Add fresh herbs, a pinch of chili flakes for heat, or even some grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
#### Final Thoughts:
This **Homemade Marinara Sauce** is one of those recipes that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. Thanks to my nana’s insistence, we no longer rely on store-bought pasta sauces—this homemade version is just too good to pass up. It’s fresh, flavorful, and full of love, and I’m sure it’ll become a go-to recipe in your kitchen as well.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a casual weeknight meal, this sauce is bound to impress. So, give it a try—and maybe, like my nana, you’ll never go back to store-bought again!
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