Name: Hearty Marinara Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 medium onion, finely diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 carrot, peeled and finely grated; 1 celery stalk, finely diced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)

Hearty Marinara Sauce is more than just a classic Italian recipe; it’s a culinary staple that elevates everyday meals while offering an explosion of flavor that resonates with the heart. This delightful sauce is perfect for those cozy family dinners, where you can serve it over your favorite pasta or as a base for lasagna. What makes this recipe so appealing is its simplicity—a few fresh ingredients come together in harmony, making it both easy to prepare and unbelievably delicious. You’ll find that with just a bit of chopping and simmering, you can create a flavorful marinara sauce that brings the warm essence of Italian cuisine right into your kitchen.

With a vibrant color and fresh herbs, this Hearty Marinara Sauce is not only visually appetizing but also bursting with nutrients. It’s a vegan-friendly option for all those who want to indulge without compromising their dietary preferences. Perfect as a dipping sauce, a base for baked dishes, or simply served over pasta, this recipe will quickly become a beloved addition to your cooking repertoire. As we dive into this simple yet rich recipe, you’ll discover the magic of marinara—a sauce so versatile that it pairs beautifully with various ingredients and culinary traditions.

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Marinara Sauce

Rich, robust flavor that enhances any dish.
Simple ingredients that are easy to find and prepare.
A healthy, vegan option packed with nutrients.
Perfect for meal prep or batch cooking; it stores well in the fridge or freezer.
Versatile—it works great as a pasta sauce, in lasagna, or even as a dipping sauce.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into making your Hearty Marinara Sauce, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the right tools. Begin by ensuring your workspace is clean and organized, as a clutter-free environment makes for smoother cooking. A large pot or Dutch oven is recommended for this recipe to accommodate all the ingredients as they cook down. Make sure you have a good-quality knife for dicing and mincing your vegetables, as well as a cutting board to keep everything neat.

Having your ingredients prepped in advance can significantly speed up the process. Dice your onion and celery, finely grate your carrot, and mince your garlic. Arrange everything on the counter so you can easily add them to the pot. This preparation helps maintain the flow and rhythm of cooking, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully without any interruption.

Ingredients

1 medium onion, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, peeled and finely grated
1 celery stalk, finely diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil

Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot set over medium heat. Olive oil serves as the perfect base for the marinara sauce, giving it a rich flavor and allowing the vegetables to soften beautifully.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Once the oil is hot, add the finely diced onion, grated carrot, and diced celery. Sauté the mixture for about 5-6 minutes until the vegetables become tender and fragrant. This step is crucial for developing a hearty base that embodies the essence of a well-made marinara sauce.

Step 3: Add the Garlic

Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to let it burn. The garlic will release a lovely aroma that signals that you’re close to creating something delicious.

Step 4: Incorporate the Sauce Base

After the garlic has softened, it’s time to bring the sauce together. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to the pot, stirring well to combine the ingredients.

Step 5: Season the Sauce

Incorporate the sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes into the pot. Give everything a good stir, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to simmer for 25-30 minutes to thicken and develop a robust flavor.

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning and Finish

Once the sauce has simmered, taste it and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If you like, stir in some fresh parsley or basil for an added layer of flavor right before serving.

Step 7: Serve

Now that your Hearty Marinara Sauce is complete, it’s time to serve! Use this sauce over your favorite pasta, in a classic lasagna, or as a delicious dipping sauce for garlic bread or mozzarella sticks.

Variations

Protein: Consider adding lentils or cooked beans for a heartier version, or mix in crumbled vegan sausage for a meatier texture.
Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
Spices: Enhance the flavor with Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme.

Cooking Notes

Fresh tomatoes can be used instead of canned; just blend and cook them down into sauce consistency.
This sauce can be made ahead of time and frozen for convenience—a great option for busy days.
Add some red wine for a deeper flavor—just let it cook off for a few minutes before adding the tomatoes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta of your choice.
Use it as a sauce for baked dishes like eggplant parmesan or vegetable lasagna.
Dip warm breadsticks or ciabatta into the sauce for a delightful appetizer.

Tips

Make sure to taste the sauce several times; this will ensure the seasonings are balanced to your liking.
Keep leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for later.
If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it with an immersion blender after simmering.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 90 per serving
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 380mg

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used. You will need to cook them down until they reach a sauce-like consistency, which may take a bit longer than using canned.

How can I thicken my marinara sauce?

If your sauce is too thin, allow it to simmer longer or add a bit of tomato paste to achieve a thicker consistency.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Hearty Marinara Sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for later use.

What can I serve with marinara sauce?

This sauce is versatile! It’s excellent with pasta, in lasagna, vegetable dishes, or as a dipping sauce for appetizers.

Conclusion

Your journey with this Hearty Marinara Sauce doesn’t have to end here! This classic Italian recipe not only delivers rich flavors but also invites creativity in the kitchen. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations and serving options that suit your taste. We encourage you to share your experience with us—add your thoughts in the comments section or let us know how you put your twist on the dish. Happy cooking, and may this delightful sauce bring warmth and joy into your home!