Making homemade marinara sauce does not have to be a complicated process. This simple and uncomplicated marinara sauce adds bright and fresh flavors!
The only chopping required for making this marinara sauce is for the garlic! I used dried herbs to add the flavor for convenience and cost. I have never been successful at keeping fresh herbs alive in my house, so dried herbs are my trustworthy go to. Just make sure the herbs have not expired. They will eventually lose their flavor. I am not opposed to using fresh herbs, but in this case, I wanted to keep this marinara sauce as a simple, easy and cost-friendly recipe! And, I have to say, this marinara is pretty darn tasty!
Marinara Sauce
This simple and uncomplicated marinara sauce adds bright and fresh flavors!
Servings: 2 1/2 cups
Ingredients
- 1 T extra-virgin olive oil
- 5-6 garlic cloves minced
- 1 28- oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 1/2 t dried basil
- 1/4 t dried oregano
- 1 dried bay leaf
- 1 t kosher salt
- 1/4 t black pepper
- 1/4 t sugar
Instructions
- in a medium pot over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until fragrant and golden. Do not allow the garlic to burn (it will be bitter).
- Add the tomatoes, basil, oregano, bay leaf, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir to combine.
- Once the mixture is simmering, lower the heat to medium-low. Continue to cook at a simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf. Add additional salt & pepper if desired.
- Remove from the heat!
- Enjoy with your favorite pasta or in any dish that calls for marinara sauce.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or the freezer for up to 3 months.
Dayna is a food blogger and pet parent to Cooper the cat! 
