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Spicy marinara sauce in a small mason jar with a spoon, with a larger mason jar, a jar of dry spaghetti, two tomatoes on the vine, and parsley in the background.
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5 from 1 vote

Spicy Marinara Sauce

This marinara sauce is so delicious. The hint of sugar balances out the acidity in the tomatoes, and the pop of heat from the red pepper flakes really brings it full circle. Not all canned tomatoes are created equal, though! My favorite brands are San Merican (S.M.T.) Whole Peeled Tomatoes and Target’s house food brand, Good & Gather.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings | 3 cups
Calories: 83

Ingredients

  • One (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons (1 oz) vegan butter, or substitute regular butter
  • 2/3 cup (about 1 small onion) finely chopped white onions
  • 10 medium cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 5 large fresh basil leaves
US - Metric

Instructions

  • Dump the tomatoes and their juice into a large bowl. Using your hands, crush the tomatoes. Pour 1 cup of water into the empty can and slosh it around carefully to get the rest of the juices. Set the can and water aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they become slightly translucent, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes more.
  • Carefully pour the tomatoes into the skillet along with the reserved water in the can. Season with sugar, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, and stir to combine the ingredients thoroughly.
  • Add the fresh basil and increase the heat to high. Once the sauce reaches a simmer, cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer until the sauce begins to darken, about 30 minutes.
  • Remove the lid and simmer until thickened, about 15 minutes more. Using an immersion blender, blend the sauce until mostly smooth.

    ☞ TESTER TIP: To avoid splatters from your immersion blender, move the sauce to a deep bowl before blending, or use a regular blender with a lid.

  • Serve immediately or cool to room temperature and refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 83kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 661mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g