How To Make Marinara Sauce With Diced Tomatoes: The Ultimate Guide To A Homemade Italian Classic

Marinara sauce, a staple of Italian cuisine, is a versatile sauce that can be used on pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce. It is a simple sauce to make, but it can be tricky to get it just right. This blog post will teach you how to make marinara sauce with diced tomatoes, so you can enjoy this delicious sauce at home.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, if desired.
7. Serve over pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce.

Tips

• For a smoother sauce, use a blender or food processor to puree the tomatoes before adding them to the saucepan.
• If you don’t have diced tomatoes, you can use crushed tomatoes instead. Just be sure to break them up with a spoon before adding them to the saucepan.
• You can add other ingredients to your marinara sauce, such as cooked ground beef, sausage, or vegetables.
• If you want a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Marinara sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Variations

• Traditional Marinara Sauce: This is the basic marinara sauce recipe that we have provided.
• Spicy Marinara Sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Meatball Marinara Sauce: Add cooked meatballs to the sauce for a hearty and flavorful meal.
• Vegetable Marinara Sauce: Add chopped vegetables, such as zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers, to the sauce for a healthy and colorful dish.
• Seafood Marinara Sauce: Add cooked seafood, such as shrimp, mussels, or clams, to the sauce for a delicious and elegant meal.

Troubleshooting

• My sauce is too watery. This can happen if you don’t simmer the sauce for long enough. Be sure to simmer it for at least 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
• My sauce is too thick. This can happen if you add too much Parmesan cheese. If your sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of water or broth.
• My sauce is too bland. This can happen if you don’t add enough spices. Be sure to add at least 1 tablespoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried basil to the sauce. You can also add other spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes.

Wrap-Up: A Taste of Italy at Home

With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can make a delicious marinara sauce at home. This sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce. So next time you’re craving Italian food, try making your own marinara sauce. You won’t be disappointed.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: What is the difference between marinara sauce and spaghetti sauce?

A: Marinara sauce is a simple tomato sauce that is made with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs. Spaghetti sauce is a thicker, more complex sauce that often contains meat, vegetables, and other ingredients.

Q: Can I use crushed tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes in marinara sauce?

A: Yes, you can use crushed tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes in marinara sauce. Just be sure to break them up with a spoon before adding them to the saucepan.

Q: How long can I store marinara sauce in the refrigerator?

A: Marinara sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.