Marinara Dipping Sauce

Hand holding jar of homemade marinara sauce.

Course: Sauce

Cuisine: Italian

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 25

Total Time: 30

Servings: people

Calories: 67kcal

Author: Platings and Pairings

Easy 30 Minute Marinara Dipping Sauce offers rich and sweet flavors that can be enjoyed as a dip or on plenty of dishes. Using basic ingredients & only 1 pot.

Print Recipe

Equipment

Large Saucepan

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic minced
1 28-ounce can San Marzano tomatoes whole, with juices
1 large sprig fresh basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon kosher salt plus additional, to taste
½ teaspoon sugar plus additional, to taste
Pinch red pepper flakes optional

For Serving (optional):

Instructions

In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the 3 cloves garlic and saute about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add the 1 28-ounce can San Marzano tomatoes (with their juices), basil sprig, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and pinch red pepper flakes (if using).
Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-high heat. Then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and continue to simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, and using a sturdy spoon to crush the tomatoes as they cook.
Remove and discard the basil sprig. Season with additional salt and sugar, to taste. (If you prefer a smooth sauce, you can also purée it with an immersion blender, blender or food processor until it reaches your desired consistency.)

Video

Notes

Storage: This sauce keeps well, covered and refrigerated, for up to 5 days. Freeze it for up to 3 months.

Note: Amount of sugar needed will depend on the sweetness of your tomatoes, so be sure to season to taste.

Variations

Spicy: Add another pinch of red pepper flakes.
Herby: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary, sage, or thyme into the sauce as it cooks. Make sure to remove them before serving or blending.
Roasted Garlic: Try swapping in some roasted garlic for the regular garlic cloves.
Cheesy: Add half of a cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Sweet Onion: Saute a minced onion before adding the garlic.

Nutrition