Easy and Flavorful Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe

Here's a delicious and simple marinara sauce recipe that you can easily prepare at home

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

2. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes (with their juices) into the pot. Stir in the tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. If you prefer a less spicy sauce, you can omit or reduce the amount of red pepper flakes.

4. Optionally, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. This step is entirely up to your taste preferences.

5. Stir everything well, and let the sauce simmer over low heat for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Taste the marinara sauce and season with salt and pepper to your liking. You can also adjust the herbs and spices if desired.

7. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender and blend until smooth.

8. Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency and flavor, it's ready to serve. Pour it over your favorite pasta, use it in lasagna, or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.

9. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if available for a burst of added flavor and color.

Enjoy your homemade marinara sauce! It's perfect for elevating your pasta dishes or using it as a base for other Italian recipes.