Homemade Marinara Sauce

My Go-To Homemade Marinara: A Busy Woman's Secret Weapon

As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner prep needs to be efficient, healthy, and, of course, delicious. That's why I've perfected this simple, yet incredibly flavorful, homemade marinara sauce. Forget those jarred sauces packed with sugar and preservatives – this recipe is my secret weapon for weeknight meals and weekend gatherings alike. It’s adaptable to any cooking method, perfect for those nights when you only have a few minutes to prepare, or can be slow-cooked for a rich, complex flavour.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. It's the perfect base for countless dishes. Toss it with your favorite pasta, use it as a pizza sauce, or spoon it over chicken or meatballs. It's even fantastic as a dip for crusty bread. I typically make a big batch on the weekend and store it in the fridge, ready to be transformed into a variety of meals throughout the week. This saves me valuable time during the busy weeknights. The slight kick from the red pepper flakes adds a delightful depth of flavour that I find incredibly satisfying. I prefer a chunky marinara but if you're looking for a smoother texture, just blend it up in a food processor after cooking – quick and easy! I really like to experiment with this recipe adding my own variations to it. Sometimes I add a pinch of cayenne, while other times I like to sauté some fresh vegetables into the sauce to add some more freshness to the end result.

Ingredient Spotlight: One of the things I love about this recipe is its focus on fresh ingredients. The garlic, onions, and peppers provide a robust base flavor. I always use fresh herbs whenever possible – it makes a noticeable difference in the overall taste. And don't skimp on the good olive oil! The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the final product. Whether you prefer white, yellow, or red onions, adjust this recipe to your taste and liking! For a more intense flavour profile, I often add sun-dried tomatoes, adding another layer of depth to the taste. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables too, such as zucchini or carrots, to create a more personalized flavour experience.

Cooking Methods: The best part? This recipe is incredibly adaptable! I usually use my Instapot for its speed and convenience. However, I’ve also made it successfully on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, and even in a pressure cooker. Each method will result in slightly different timing but you will achieve a rich and flavorful outcome each time. The pressure cooker version gives a quick and rich flavour, while the slow cooker option delivers a deep, complex taste that develops over time. No matter which method you choose, the result is a delicious, homemade marinara sauce that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Beyond the Basics: The great thing about marinara sauce is its potential for customization. Once you master the basic recipe, experiment with different additions to create your unique signature sauce. For instance, adding a splash of balsamic vinegar gives it a sophisticated twist. I like to add some mushrooms to my sauce, as it adds a touch of earthiness that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes. If you prefer a spicier sauce, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your palate.

This marinara is more than just a sauce; it's a testament to the simple joys of home cooking. It's a delicious reminder that even with a busy schedule, we can create something special and nourishing for ourselves and our families. So, gather your ingredients, choose your preferred cooking method, and enjoy the process of creating a sauce that will elevate your meals to a whole new level of flavour and satisfaction. It is really satisfying to sit down for dinner knowing you have cooked your own delicious meal from scratch!

Step-by-step

• Dice Onion, Red and Green Peppers, and Garlic into as small of chunks as you prefer. (If you are using fresh mushrooms and/or tomatoes, dice them as well. Do not put tomatoes in the bowl, keep them separate.)
• Put them in a small bowl and give them a little stir.
• Combine spices in small cup (Oregano, Basil, Thyme, Red Pepper Flakes, Italian seasoning, Garlic Salt, Onion Powder, Parsley Flakes, Rosemary, Salt and Pepper) and give you a good little stir.
• Add the post-saute liquids in a small bowl or cup (Chicken Broth, Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, Red Wine, and Lemon Juice) and give it a little stir.
• Turn Insta Pot on Low Saute
• Add 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• Add diced vegetable mixture and saute for about 1-2 minutes. Not browning them, but enough to give them a little jumpstart
• Add the remaining liquids to the Insta Pot (Chicken Broth, Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, Red Wine, and Lemon Juice) to deglaze the bottom of the Insta Pot.
• Add the Diced Tomatoes (with the water/juice from can)
• Add the Mushrooms (drained)
• Add the Spice Mixture (Oregano, Basil, Thyme, Red Pepper Flakes, Italian seasoning, Garlic Salt, Onion Powder, Parsley Flakes, Rosemary, Salt and Pepper)
• Add Tomato Puree
• Turn vent to Sealing
• Set Insta to Low Pressure for 3 minutes. (If slow cooking, set slow cooker to low for about 30 minutes)
• Release Steam Valve
• Once steam is all released, remove top and let cool before putting away