Homemade Marinara Sauce from Fresh Tomatoes

Are you tired of buying pre-made marinara sauce from the store? Do you want to learn how to make a delicious homemade sauce from fresh tomatoes? Look no further! With a few simple steps, you can create a flavorful and healthy marinara sauce that will impress any pasta lover.

The key to making a great marinara sauce from fresh tomatoes is to have ripe, juicy tomatoes. Choose tomatoes that are bright red and have a slightly soft texture. Roma tomatoes are a popular choice for making marinara sauce due to their meaty texture and low water content. Once you have your tomatoes, it’s time to get started on making your sauce!

Ingredients and Tools

Before we proceed with the recipe for making marinara sauce from fresh tomatoes, there are a few ingredients and tools that you will need. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 5-6 pounds of fresh, ripe Tomatoes
• 1 medium Onion
• 4-5 cloves of Garlic
• 2-3 tablespoons of Olive Oil
• 1 tablespoon of Salt
• 1 tablespoon of Sugar
• 1 teaspoon of Black Pepper
• 1 tablespoon of Dried Basil
• 1 tablespoon of Dried Oregano

Tools

• A large pot or Dutch oven
• A blender or immersion blender
• A slotted spoon

Now that you have all the ingredients and tools you need to make this marinara sauce, it’s time to start with the recipe. Let’s get started!

Ingredients you’ll need

Making marinara sauce from fresh tomatoes requires some essential ingredients. Some ingredients are traditional, while some are optional, and you can adjust them as per your taste preferences. Below are the ingredients you’ll need to make a classic marinara sauce:

Choosing the right tomatoes

Tomatoes are the backbone of the marinara sauce, and it’s essential to choose the right type for the best results. San Marzano tomatoes are the most popular type of tomatoes for making marinara sauce. They are naturally sweet and have fewer seeds, making them perfect for a smooth and delicious sauce. However, you can use any ripe and juicy tomato, like Roma, heirloom, or beefsteak.

Preparing the tomatoes

Before making your marinara sauce, you need to prepare the tomatoes. Start by washing the tomatoes properly and removing the stems. Cut them into quarters and remove the seeds and any tough white parts. Then, using a grater or a food processor, grate the tomatoes coarsely.

Getting the base flavors

For a classic marinara sauce, you’ll need some base flavors like garlic, onions, and olive oil. Start by sautéing finely chopped onions and garlic in some olive oil until they turn translucent. Be careful not to burn them as it can ruin the flavor of your sauce.

Adding herbs and spices

To enhance the flavor of your marinara sauce, you can add some herbs and spices. A classic marinara sauce usually includes fresh basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. However, you can add other herbs like thyme or rosemary if you prefer.

Putting it all together

Once you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to put them all together. Add the grated tomatoes to the sautéed onions and garlic and stir well. Add the herbs and spices and season with salt and pepper as per your taste. Simmer the sauce on medium heat for about 30 minutes to an hour, until it thickens and the tomatoes break down.

Adjusting the consistency

If your sauce is too thick, you can add some water or chicken/vegetable broth to thin it out. However, if your sauce is too thin, you can let it simmer for a longer time to thicken it. You can also add some tomato paste if you want a richer, thicker sauce.

Storage and serving suggestions

You can store your marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to three months. To serve, boil some pasta, and toss it with the marinara sauce. You can also use the sauce as a pizza topping or serve it as a dipping sauce.

The final touch

Before serving your marinara sauce, you can add some extra virgin olive oil and some grated Parmesan cheese. You can also garnish it with some fresh basil leaves or parsley for some extra flavor and color.

Conclusion

Making marinara sauce from fresh tomatoes may seem daunting, but it’s effortless and rewarding. With the right ingredients and some helpful tips, you can make a delicious marinara sauce that will elevate any pasta dish or pizza. So, what are you waiting for? Get your apron, grab some fresh tomatoes, and start cooking!

Three Alternative Marinara Sauce Recipes to Try

Marinara sauce is a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are three alternative marinara sauce recipes – ranging from spicy to creamy – that you can try at home:

Spicy Marinara Sauce

If you’re a fan of heat, try making a spicy marinara sauce. To do this, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeno pepper to the basic marinara sauce recipe. Instead of using regular canned San Marzano tomatoes, you can use canned tomatoes with green chiles. Follow the basic marinara sauce recipe as written, but add the red pepper flakes or diced jalapeno pepper into the pot to sauté with the onion and garlic. Your spicy marinara sauce is ready to go!

Creamy Marinara Sauce

If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can experiment with adding a dollop of heavy cream into the basic marinara sauce recipe. Start by adding 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the pot when the tomatoes are simmering. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, and add more cream if desired. Pair the creamy marinara sauce with your favorite pasta and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Mushroom Marinara Sauce

For a hearty take on marinara sauce, add sautéed mushrooms to give it some extra depth of flavor. Choose your favorite mushroom – shiitake, cremini, or portobello – and slice them thinly. Sauté them in olive oil until they are golden brown, and then add them into the basic marinara sauce recipe. Follow the recipe as written, but remember to add the sautéed mushrooms into the sauce during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering. The end result will be a earthy, hearty marinara sauce that pairs well with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.

Try one of these three alternative marinara sauce recipes today to mix up your pasta night routine!

Enjoy your fresh marinara!

Congratulations! You’ve just made a delicious marinara sauce from fresh tomatoes. It’s a simple, yet fulfilling way to elevate your pasta dishes. We hope you enjoyed reading this article and found our tips helpful. Don’t forget to share your experience with us! We’d love to hear how your marinara turned out. Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and please visit us again soon for more cooking tips and recipes. Happy cooking!