Marinara Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 4 lbripe tomatoes
- 1 tbspextra-virgin olive oil
- 4 largecloves garlic
minced
- 1 bunchfresh herbs
such as basil, or a combo of basil, parsley, oregano, and/or thyme
- 1 tbspsugar
- ½ tspsalt
- freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tspbalsamic vinegar
- to taste (optionalcrushed red pepper flakes)
- to taste (optionaladditional fresh chopped herbs)
Directions
- 1
Cut tomatoes into chunks. Using your hands, squeeze them into bits over a large, deep bowl or pot, including juices. (Alternatively, you may pulse them a few times in a food processor.) Set aside.
- 2
In a large pot set over low heat, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until softened and fragrant. Add tomatoes and juices to pot, place fresh herb bunch on top, raise heat to medium, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 3
When sauce has thickened and reduced, remove herb stems. Stir in sugar, salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar. Taste and adjust seasonings. If desired, add crushed red pepper flakes and additional fresh chopped herbs. Use an immersion blender or food mill to slightly puree sauce. (Or you may allow sauce to cool and pulse it in batches in a food processor. Do not over-process...a bit of texture should remain.) Serve warm or allow to slightly cool and store in a container or jar in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Marinara Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes
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Based on 105 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Imagine a vibrant, homemade marinara sauce brimming with the taste of summer's best tomatoes, ready in just 30 minutes. This Marinara Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes recipe brings that fresh-from-the-garden flavor straight to your table without hours over the stove.
The magic of this sauce lies in its simplicity and the quality of fresh, ripe tomatoes, complemented by fragrant garlic and a medley of fresh herbs. It’s a testament to how quickly you can create something incredibly savory and deeply satisfying that outshines any jarred alternative.
You can expect a brightly flavored sauce, rich with the natural sweetness of cooked tomatoes, balanced by the aromatic punch of minced garlic and the herbaceous notes of basil, parsley, oregano, or thyme. The touch of balsamic vinegar adds a subtle depth, making each spoonful truly robust. It’s a wonderfully balanced savory experience, providing a flavorful foundation for countless meals. Despite its gourmet taste, it’s designed for efficiency, making it perfect for weeknights when you crave something wholesome.
Feel free to get creative with your fresh herbs – a classic basil-only approach is lovely, or try a vibrant mix of basil, parsley, oregano, and thyme. For a touch of heat, don't shy away from adding crushed red pepper flakes to taste. The optional additional fresh chopped herbs stirred in at the end can elevate the freshness even further, brightening the overall flavor.
This versatile marinara is an essential pantry staple, perfect tossed with your favorite pasta, spread on pizza, or as a savory dipping sauce for garlic bread. Its fresh, savory profile makes it suitable for almost any occasion where a hearty, comforting meal is desired.