Imagine transforming your homemade pizza from ordinary to extraordinary with a marinara sauce so vibrant and rich, it'll transport you straight to the cobblestone streets of Naples. This isn't just another tomato sauce – this is a culinary masterpiece that elevates every pizza it touches, crafted with simple ingredients and traditional Italian passion. Whether you're a home cook or a pizza enthusiast, this marinara sauce recipe will become your secret weapon in creating restaurant-quality pizzas that will have everyone asking, "Who made this?"
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. Also, have fresh basil leaves ready for garnish.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about 1 minute, ensuring it does not smoke.
- Add the minced garlic to the saucepan. Sauté the garlic in the olive oil for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Once the garlic is ready, carefully pour in the can of crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine the garlic and oil with the tomatoes.
- Next, add the dried oregano and sugar to the mixture. The sugar will help balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Stir to incorporate all the ingredients evenly.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper, then adjust according to your preference.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- After 20 minutes, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the sauce using an immersion blender or transfer it to a blender and pulse until you reach your desired consistency.
- Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat. Let it cool slightly before using it on your pizza or storing it in an airtight container.
- To serve, drizzle the sauce over your prepared pizza or use it as a dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch.
Tips
- • Use high-quality canned crushed tomatoes for the best flavor base • Don't rush the garlic sautéing process – golden and fragrant is key • The sugar isn't just for sweetness; it helps balance the tomatoes' natural acidity • Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent sauce from sticking • Fresh basil makes a world of difference – never skip the garnish • For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender • This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days • Consider making a larger batch and freezing for future pizza nights
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 45kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
