Homemade Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) ripe tomatoes, peeled and diced 2 pounds (900g) ripe tomatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup (60ml) tomato paste 1/4 cup (60ml) tomato paste
• 1/4 cup (60ml) red wine (optional) 1/4 cup (60ml) red wine (optional)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh basil leaves, chopped 1/4 cup (15g) fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 8g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. 3.
   Stir in the red pepper flakes and tomato paste, cooking for an additional minute.
4. 4.
   Pour in the red wine (if using) and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to cook off the alcohol.
5. 5.
   Add the diced tomatoes, water, sugar, and season with salt and pepper.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. 7.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves.
8. 8.
   Allow the sauce to cool slightly before using a blender or immersion blender to puree until smooth.
9. 9.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
10. 10.
    The Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce is now ready to be used in your favorite Italian dishes.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and flavorful tomatoes for the best results. If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use canned San Marzano tomatoes as a substitute.
• Basil — Use fresh basil leaves for the most vibrant flavor. Add them at the end of the cooking process to preserve their aroma.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoother sauce, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve after blending.
• If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
• To enhance the sweetness of the sauce, add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
• Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Customize the sauce by adding your favorite vegetables or protein, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or cooked ground meat.

Serving advice

Serve the Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne. Top it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped basil for an extra burst of flavor. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete Italian meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprig of fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch. Serve the sauce in a shallow bowl or on a plate with the pasta neatly arranged on top. Ensure the vibrant red color of the sauce is visible to entice the appetite.