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Marinara Sauce
A simple marinara of crushed tomatoes, shallot, garlic, and oregano — the kind of sauce that makes a weeknight dinner feel like someone had a plan.
DifficultyEasyTotal time40 minServes4
Overview
Prep10 min
Cook30 min
Total40 min
Servings4
DifficultyEasy
Ingredients
Equipment
- Medium pot
- Wooden spoon
Method
01
Heat the oil
Heat the olive oil in a medium pot over low heat.
02
Add the aromatics
Add shallot, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
03
Soften
Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring often.
04
Add the tomatoes
Add crushed tomatoes and their juices.
05
Add the seasonings
Stir in balsamic vinegar, sugar, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
06
Simmer
Cover and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes.
07
Stir occasionally
Stir occasionally.
08
Taste and serve
Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Tips
NoteThat tiny bit of sugar isn't there to make the sauce sweet. It just rounds out the acidity of the tomatoes.
NoteMake a double batch if you have freezer space. Future pasta nights will thank you.
Nutrition
AllergensNone of the major allergens
Storage
Refrigerator / FreezerUp to 5 days refrigerated, or frozen up to 3 months in jars or bags.
Frequently asked
Can I use fresh tomatoes?+
Yes — about 3 pounds, peeled and crushed. Simmer a little longer to thicken.
Is it very spicy?+
Not at all; the red pepper flakes are barely there. Add more if you want heat.
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