Description
This homemade marinara sauce recipe, also called Slow-Simmered Scarlet Pot, is a rich and deeply flavored Italian sauce perfect for family dinners or cozy date nights. It transforms simple ingredients into culinary gold with surprisingly easy preparation.
Ingredients
- 28 oz (794g) canned crushed tomatoes (San Marzano for best flavor)
- 14.5 oz (411g) canned diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for depth)
- 2 tbsp (30ml) good quality olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (or white onion)
- 4–6 cloves garlic, minced (or pre-minced from a jar)
- 1 tsp (2g) dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh oregano (3g) or 1 tsp (2g) dried Italian seasoning blend)
- 0.25 cup (6g) fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 0.5 tsp (2g) sugar, optional (to cut acidity)
- Pinch red pepper flakes, optional (for a subtle kick)
- 1 bay leaf, optional (remove before serving)
- 1 tbsp (15ml) tomato paste, optional (for deeper tomato flavor)
- Parmesan rind, optional (remove before serving)
- Finely grated carrots or zucchini, optional (for hidden veggies)
- Halved fresh cherry tomatoes, optional (add during last 15 minutes of simmering)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large 6-quart Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (lower heat immediately if garlic starts to brown to prevent bitterness).
- Build the Base: Stir in dried oregano, salt, and pepper. If using, add 1 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly to enhance deep flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in crushed and diced tomatoes. Add optional sugar and bay leaf. Stir well. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and slow-simmer for 30-60 minutes for rich flavor, stirring occasionally. (For a smoother sauce, blend a portion after simmering; for a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes.)
- Finish with Freshness: Remove the bay leaf (and Parmesan rind if used). Stir in fresh chopped basil. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for perfect balance.
Notes
To prevent bitter garlic, cook it over medium-low heat and add it after the onions have softened. Ensure at least 30 minutes of simmering time for the flavors to meld completely, avoiding a raw or acidic taste. A Parmesan rind can be added during simmering for extra umami; remove it before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.5 cup (120 g)
- Calories: 120 calories
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg