Kids & Teens · Family kitchen
Fresh Chunky Marinara Sauce
A bright, simple tomato sauce made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs.
4 cupsyield10 minprep20 mincookEasyskill level
From Dianne's kitchen
A first sauce to make from scratch
Fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs create a flavorful sauce without the extra sugar often found in store-bought jars.
It is a flexible kitchen staple for pizzas, pasta, breadsticks, meatballs, and roasted vegetables.
What you'll need
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
- 2 pounds fresh tomatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped (about 4 cups)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Step by step
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and oregano; stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Reduce heat to low. Add tomatoes and a pinch of salt, then stir to combine.
- Cover and simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a small splash of water if needed.
- Taste and adjust the salt. Stir in fresh basil or parsley just before serving.
Dianne's kitchen tip
Watch the garlic
Garlic cooks quickly; keep it fragrant rather than browned so the sauce stays sweet.
Ask an adult for help around the stove and when removing the lid from a hot pan.