Homemade Marinara Sauce using fresh tomatoes
It is very simple to prepare Marinara sauce from scratch, so simple that it doesn't even need a recipe! Full of flavour from fresh ripe tomatoes, garlic and herbs, I haven't met a person who doesn't love this.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 - 10 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1 kg ripe tomatoes 8-10 large
- 1 cup Italian basil leaves loosely packed
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- 3 tbsp tomato paste I use Splitz brand in India
- 2 tsp salt
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring 2-3 L of water to boil. Place the washed tomatoes with cross slits in the water. Bring to a boil. After 5 minutes, switch off the gas. Remove tomatoes from water and let cool. Once cool enough to handle, peel of the tomatoes and give them a rough chop.
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil and saute the chopped garlic for a few seconds. Do not brown.
- Add the chopped basil (most of it) and chopped blanched tomatoes. Bring this to a boil. Add the tomato paste and salt, mix this in well. Reduce the flame and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Season with salt and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Remove into an airtight container or jar. Once cooled, refrigerate until you need to use it. This will stay for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Notes
Cooking notes:
*Along with the garlic, you can also add a finely chopped small onion. Saute until soft and then add the tomatoes. *Adding a tablespoon or two of red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar adds not only flavour but also increases the shelf life of this marinara sauce by a a couple of days. *If you like a spicy sauce, then add a big pinch of chili flakes to the sauce while it is simmering. *You can prepare this sauce a day or two in advance for your dinner party and a simple penne pasta rolled in pre-prepared marinara sauce with a few shavings of a good Parmesan cheese will make an easy yet wonderful main course.
*Along with the garlic, you can also add a finely chopped small onion. Saute until soft and then add the tomatoes. *Adding a tablespoon or two of red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar adds not only flavour but also increases the shelf life of this marinara sauce by a a couple of days. *If you like a spicy sauce, then add a big pinch of chili flakes to the sauce while it is simmering. *You can prepare this sauce a day or two in advance for your dinner party and a simple penne pasta rolled in pre-prepared marinara sauce with a few shavings of a good Parmesan cheese will make an easy yet wonderful main course.