My Mother's Marinara Sauce Recipe

Name: My Mother's Marinara Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 2 large yellow onions, peeled, halved and diced; 10 cloves garlic, peeled, halved and cut into thin slices; 2 to 3 teaspoons red pepper flakes; 2 teaspoons granulated sugar; Kosher salt; 3 medium carrots, peeled and grated; Two 28-ounce cans whole peeled tomatoes; 4 cups water, divided, plus more as needed; 1 cup basil leaves, washed; Freshly grated Parmesan

Servings: persons

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 large yellow onions, peeled, halved and diced
10 cloves garlic, peeled, halved and cut into thin slices
2 to 3 teaspoons red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
Kosher salt
3 medium carrots, peeled and grated
Two 28-ounce cans whole peeled tomatoes
4 cups water, divided, plus more as needed
1 cup basil leaves, washed
Freshly grated Parmesan

1
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2
Add the onions, the garlic, red pepper flakes, and sugar and season with salt, to taste.
3
Stir in the carrots and reseason with salt.
4
Cook for about 2 minutes, and then add canned tomatoes.
5
Use a wooden spoon to break up some of the whole tomatoes and cook over medium heat, stirring from time to time, about 20 minutes.
6
If at any point the veggies or the sauce is getting dry, add some water.
7
Continue cooking another 10 minutes, and then taste for seasoning.
8
The tomatoes should be fairly broken down and the flavors coming together.
9
Cook an additional 10 minutes.
10
The sauce cooks about as long as it takes to make the meatballs from start to finish, about 45 minutes.
11
Stir in the basil leaves and season with Parmesan.

227

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 11 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 large yellow onions, peeled, halved and diced, 10 cloves garlic, peeled, halved and cut into thin slices, 2 to 3 teaspoons red pepper flakes, and more.

Yes, My Mother's Marinara Sauce falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

My Mother's Marinara Sauce

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions