Name: Fresh Tomato Marinara Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon Olive Oil; 3 cloves Garlic, minced; 5 fresh Tomatoes, chopped; 2 tablespoons Fresh Basil, chopped; 1 tablespoon Honey; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper; 3 sprigs Fresh Parsley, with stems and leaves

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Introduction

This fresh tomato marinara sauce is a simple, flavorful classic perfect for pasta, dipping, or as a base for other dishes. Made from ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs, it’s a vibrant sauce you can easily prepare at home in under an hour.

A small white bowl filled with thick, chunky red tomato sauce mixed with bits of green herbs, topped with fresh green basil leaves. A metal spoon is partially dipped into the sauce on the right side of the bowl. Surrounding the bowl are bright red whole tomatoes and one sliced tomato, all placed on a bright yellow surface. The textures show the sauce as fresh and slightly chunky with visible tomato pieces. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic
5 tomatoes
2 tablespoons fresh basil
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 sprigs fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Step 2: Add the tomatoes to the saucepan and stir well. Let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 25 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens slightly.
Step 3: Stir in the fresh basil, honey, salt, black pepper, and the parsley sprigs with stems and leaves intact. Continue simmering for another 10 minutes.
Step 4: Carefully remove the parsley sprigs using a fork.
Step 5: Serve the sauce as is, or puree it in a food processor or blender for a smoother consistency that’s great for dipping. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
Use plum or Roma tomatoes for a meatier, less watery sauce.
If you prefer a chunkier sauce, roughly chop the tomatoes instead of pureeing.
Swap honey for a teaspoon of sugar if you prefer less sweetness.

Storage

Store leftover marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot. This sauce also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A small white bowl filled with a chunky red tomato salsa that has visible bits of green herbs mixed in, topped with two fresh green basil leaves. A silver spoon is partially submerged on the right side of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a bright yellow surface surrounded by whole red tomatoes and one halved tomato showing its juicy interior. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned whole or diced tomatoes work well if fresh tomatoes aren’t available. Reduce simmering time slightly since canned tomatoes are already cooked.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. The flavors improve after resting for several hours or overnight in the fridge. Just reheat gently before serving.