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Ina Garten Marinara Sauce

Ina Garten Marinara Sauce
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This recipe is made by slowly cooking onions and garlic in olive oil, adding tomatoes and seasoning, then simmering until the sauce thickens and flavors come together. Fresh herbs are added toward the end so they stay bright. The sauce is kept rustic or lightly blended, depending on preference, making it flexible for many uses.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil – 3 tablespoons

  • Onion – 1 large, finely chopped

  • Garlic – 4 cloves, minced

  • Tomato paste – 2 tablespoons

  • Canned whole tomatoes – 800 g (28 oz), crushed by hand

  • Vegetable stock or water – 120 ml (½ cup)

  • Salt – 1½ teaspoons (adjust to taste)

  • Black pepper – 1 teaspoon

  • Dried oregano – 1 teaspoon

  • Red chilli flakes – ¼ teaspoon (optional)

  • Fresh basil – ½ cup, torn

  • Sugar – ½ teaspoon (optional, to balance acidity)

Instructions

  • Soften the base – Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 7–8 minutes until soft and translucent.

  • Add garlic carefully – Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, without browning.

  • Build depth – Mix in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor.

  • Add tomatoes – Stir in crushed tomatoes, stock or water, salt, pepper, oregano, and chilli flakes if using.

  • Simmer gently – Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

  • Finish with herbs – Stir in fresh basil and sugar if needed. Blend briefly if a smoother texture is preferred.

Find it online: https://inagartendishes.com/ina-garten-marinara-sauce/