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Classic Marinara Sauce
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5 from 3 votes

Classic Marinara Sauce

This savory Classic Marinara Sauce is so versatile for many other recipes including pasta, pizza, shakshuka, chicken afritada and many more... a must try!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes
Passive time0 minutes
Total Time1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 5.5 cups
Author: Francine Lizotte
Course: Condiments, Sauces & Marinades
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword Canning, Dairy Free, Easy Recipe, Gluten Free, Low Sodium

Ingredients

  • 2 cans (28 oz. each) San Marzano peeled tomatoes, crushed
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil tips & tricks
  • 1 cup red onions, finely chopped
  • 4-5 large cloves garlic, pressed
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine, such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc or simply a good Chianti
  • 1 tbsp. coconut sugar, or to taste Footnote
  • 1 large sprig basil (substitute 1 1/2 tsp. dried basil) tips & tricks
  • 1 large sprig oregano (substitute 1 tsp. dried oregano)
  • 1 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped tips & tricks
  • 1/2 tsp. ground Himalayan pink salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, or to taste (I always used mixed peppercorns)
  • 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes, or to taste *optional

Directions

  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, add oil and when it gets hot, sauté the onions until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add garlic and sauté for just 1 minute. Add wine, increase the heat to medium-high, stir and cook until the liquid is almost evaporated, about 6 to 7 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients, cover and simmer for 1 hour.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and add crushed tomatoes, coconut sugar, basil, oregano, parsley, salt, freshly ground black pepper and red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a simmer, cover and cook for 1 hour.
  • When the cooking time is up, uncover and remove the sprigs; discard them.
  • Using an immersion blender, process the sauce until smooth; taste and adjust if needed.
  • Let it cook, uncovered, for another 15 minutes to thicken the sauce.

Notes

Footnote: Substitute a whole peeled carrot. This only adds a little more sweetness to the sauce but doesn't remove the acidity. In that case, add baking soda in small amounts, stirring after each addition.