The base is canned, crushed tomatoes in their juices, simmered with sautéed shallots and garlic for depth of flavor. I add red peppers to heat it up just a bit and dried or fresh oregano for a hint of Italy. Balsamic vinegar adds some tang and salt, pepper and sugar make all the other ingredients pop.

When I’m in a pinch I often whip up his marinara sauce on a weeknight. When I’m in a planning mode, I’ll make it in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week (mine never lasts that long) or freeze it for up to a couple of months. I keep some stashed for stuffed shells, cherry tomato pasta when the craving strikes me.

Homemade Marinara Sauce Ingredients

So simple to make with only a handful of pantry ingredients.

• • • Canned, crushed tomatoes – Canned, crushed tomatoes are the base of this homemade marinara sauce. Crushed tomatoes have a texture between tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. They’re perfect as a primary ingredient in your homemade spaghetti and pasta sauces.
    • Shallots – The flavor of shallots is mild and sweet with just a hint of garlic flavor
    • Garlic – Garlic adds depth and a spicy, almost nutty flavor
    • Olive oil. Softens the shallots and adds flavor.
    • Balsamic vinegar – Adds a hint of tangy goodness.
    • Salt and pepper – Makes all the other ingredients pop
    • Sugar- Helps balance the acidic crushed tomatoes
    • Dried oregano – Adds an Italian flair
    • Pepper flakes -Brings just a little heat to keep things interesting

How to Make Homemade Marinara Sauce

Making this marinara sauce recipe is simple! Here’s what you need to do.

• • • First, sauté the shallot and garlic in a saucepan with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they become soft and translucent.
    • Then, simmer the sauce. Add 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes and their juices, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and a dash of cane sugar. Cover the sauce and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, until thickened.

How to Use Marinara Sauce

You might already have many uses for this homemade marinara sauce. But, here are a couple of my own.

• • Use with stuffed shells – Use this marinara as the sauced for your stuffed shells. It’s the perfect homemade combination with vegan ricotta. It’s wonderful to make as many of your own ingredients as possible.
  • As a dipping sauce – My family loves the marinara for dipping! For example, make my roasted cauliflower and dip it into this zesty marinara. The combination is fantastic.
  • Any pasta dish – When I’m in a time crunch I simple make up some pasta and pour over the homemade marinara. I add some vegan mozzarella and within minutes I have a wonderful homemade meal.

What are you favorite ways to use homemade marinara sauce? Let me know in the comments!