Amazing sauce doesn't have to be complicated. This easy fresh tomato marinara sauce is super simple but exploding with flavor!
This post was originally published on September 9, 2016.
Everyone needs a quick and easy go to marinara. And this fresh tomato marinara is definitely at the top of my list. Serve it over pasta, mixed with spaghetti squash or even as a dip for crusty baked bread!
Fresh Tomato Marinara
I love having a good tomato sauce at my fingertips, they are so versatile and everyone in my family loves them. Well, except for the "I only like some tomatoes" 5 year old, but he doesn't count.
I often make a boatload and freeze it for those nights I need a fast and healthy dinner. Boil pasta, defrost sauce, a side of broccoli. Boom. Dinner done.
What is the difference between tomato sauce and marinara sauce?
Both of these terms are often used to mean the same thing. However you can also buy "tomato sauce" at the store in a can. Which is literally pureed tomatoes.
To make it even more confusing, tomato sauce in Italy can mean any sauce made from tomatoes and other things. Where as marinara is always just a basic tomato based sauce with only a few ingredients.
What are the best tomatoes for marinara sauce?
Many people say that using a tomato with less water content and seeds leads to a more flavorful sauce. However, I tend to go with the most fresh and flavorful.
There is a huge difference between tomatoes that have been sitting in a truck for weeks versus local ones that you buy soon after harvest.
San Marzano tomatoes are well known for their amazing rich juicy flavor. But since I don't live in Italy, and those aren't easily found here, I usually go for whatever vine ripened tomatoes I can find.
Roma tomatoes are another flavorful variety that is great for sauce. I find these much easier, and if they are fresh, they are great!
Make sure you weigh the tomatoes versus going by number since size can really vary. This recipe calls for 2 pounds, which is about 8 averaged sized tomatoes.
Do I have to peel tomatoes for sauce?
I never peel my tomatoes. But I don't mind the tiny bit of texture they give. If you want a super smooth sauce then you will want to peel them.
How long does fresh marinara sauce last?
Since you still cook the tomatoes, fresh marinara lasts just as long as any tomato sauce. It's best stored in an airtight container in the fridge and used within 5-7 days. However you can also freeze it for long term storage!
Freezing tips
Here are my best tips for freezing sauce so it stays fresh and freezer burn free:
- Before freezing, make sure the sauce has cooled completely.
- Then put it in a freeze safe air tight container.
- Use a piece of plastic wrap to cover the sauce, making a seal right on the top.
- Cover with the lid and it's ready to go!
I like to freeze it in a serving size for my family so I can quickly grab, defrost and use.
How to make tomato sauce from scratch
- Blend ingredients into blender or food processor.
- Simmer in a pot and serve!
See, easy! All you need is to cook your favorite pasta and serve. I even use this for casseroles and whenever I make lasagna. It's so flavorful and so awesome to have on hand, so make a double batch and freeze!
Tips for making in a crockpot
While I have a slow cooker marinara sauce on this site, you can make this one in a crockpot as well.
- Blend like above.
- Put in a slow cooker and cook on high for 2-3 hours.
- You can taste at 1 hour to see if you like it, it gets better with time.
Recipes that use marinara
The best thing about marinara is how versatile it is! Here are some of my favorite recipes:
- Low Carb Spaghetti Squash Bowls
- Veggie lasagna
- Vegan creamy lasagna with sausage and pesto
- Stuffed Shells
- Zucchini Ravioli
- Pizza Burrito (as a sub for pizza sauce)
- Pasta bake
- Sweet potato gnocchi
- On pizzas
- Over pasta
- As a dip for vegan meatballs
- As a dip for bread
You can also use it as a topping on the following:
Easy Fresh Tomato Marinara Sauce
Equipment
- blender or food processor
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh tomatoes , about 8 (roughly chopped)
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 4 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
Instructions
- Put all ingredients into a blender or food processor and pulse until everything is somewhere between chopped and pureed. You don’t want this totally pureed into soup, but you also don’t want large chunks.
- Once done, pour into a pot, bring to a simmer, and cook for about 20 minutes.
- You can also turn heat to low and continue cooking for about an hour to get a really rich tasting sauce. Watch it so it doesn’t cook off too much liquid. If it does, add some veggie broth or water to thin it out.
Notes
- I don’t suggest jarred or canned tomatoes here since the combination of fresh tomatoes and tomato paste gives it the unique flavor it has.
- This makes about 4 ½ cups. Serving size is ½ cup.
- Make this ahead of time and freeze for a grab and reheat option.
Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.
Nutrition
Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.
Jagruti
Absolutely delicious and easy to make sauce..there is always one jar in my fridge of this sauce. Oh, and those jars look so beautiful .
veggiesdontbite
Thank you! Such an easy sauce!
Tracy | Baking Mischief
Mmmm. This sauce looks delish. And I love those jars. They look so spacey and modern! That jalapeno test is great. I would *never* have guessed one of those was a month old.
veggiesdontbite
Ha! Thanks Tracy! I know, one month! So awesome.
jacquee | i sugar coat it!
Mmmm... I love the addition of mint in this sauce and that it is no-fuss!!
veggiesdontbite
Thank you! The mint is awesome!
Jackie of Vegan Yack Attack
Omg, that pepper test is so crazy! I love the look of these jars, and super love marinara sauce!
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Jackie! Marinara is the best on so much!
The Vegan 8
Wow, those jars are really pretty, love the style! They are different looking which I really like. I'm an organizational freak with my pantry and drawers. I have things in glass jars and baskets and dividers, lol. Everything still isn't as organized as I'd like but I try not to break the bank with it all. Spices definitely I love in my glass jars.
I was going to say the same thing Mel said above. I keep my jalapenos in the freezer as well! I also chop lots of onion and garlic and bell peppers and freeze those too, it really brings dinner or lunch together so fast. I HATE chopping veggies, so I like to do a bunch at a time and throw it all in the freezer.
Ok, and this marinara sauce looks so simple and delicious and you can never have too many marinara sauces!! Love the fresh basil and mint in it, heck yeah. I really need to try the mint!
veggiesdontbite
Thanks mama! I love love mint in my pasta sauces! I use it in my bolognese too. It adds such great flavor. I love the freezing of the jalapeños! I usually chop onion and keep it in a glass container in our veggie drawer in the fridge and it lasts all week, but the spicy pepper is what I don't use up as fast, since I'm the only one that likes them! But really though, wouldn't it be nice to have a prep chef?? My sitter sometimes does a few things for me and it's so nice!
Jenn
Everyone needs a delicious simple marinara sauce in their back pocket. Like you, my go-to is pasta and marinara when I don't know what else to make - or when we are short on time. The kids always love it. I like that you used a combo of dried and fresh herbs - so yum!
veggiesdontbite
I think I have like 10 go to marinara sauces but who's counting. LOL!! So easy to throw together and kid approved! Thanks Jenn!
Uma
I have all the ingredients right here! Totally agreeing with home made sauce ! Love it:)
veggiesdontbite
Thank you!
Linda @ Veganosity
The jars are really pretty! Great sauce, there's nothing better than homemade.
veggiesdontbite
Homemade is the best!!
Mel |avirtualvegan.com
How simple is this marinara recipe? Ideal for a quick dinner. Love those jars too. They sound awesome. Just a tip for your jalapeños, although you might not need it now you have the jar. They freeze brilliantly. I keep mine in a bag in the freezer then when I need one I take it out and slice it while still frozen. it's easy with a sharp knife. Then you can cut off what you want and refreeze the remaining bit. They keep for ages and ages in the freezer. It works the same for any chili pepper.
veggiesdontbite
That's a fabulous tip Mel! I freeze so much don't know why I didn't think of that. And thank you!!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day
That's amazing the jalapeno lasted that long! Your sauce looks delicious!
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Amy!!
Melissa @ Vegan Huggs
This marinara looks incredible! I can't believe how easy it is. I love that you added fresh mint to it. I've gotta try this 🙂
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Melissa! I love fresh mint in my pasta sauces. I have a bolognese that uses it too. Adds such great flavor!
Becky Striepe
Oh my gosh, I love how simple this is! Why am I buying the stuff in jars ever?
veggiesdontbite
SO simple!! I love making my own sauce. So much tastier too!
Mandy
How funny!! I was actually looking into these jars for my Etsy shop products! I'm shocked at how long that jalapeño stayed fresh - that's impressive! I'm really bad at using up fresh herbs and jalapeños before they go bad...need to get my hands on some of these jars!
OK, but this sauce....YUMMMM!!! Nothing better than homemade marinara! And I love that spoon ❤️
veggiesdontbite
Isn't it crazy? They'd be great for your products! Keep them fresh longer for sure. Thanks so much Mandy! I love me a good marinara, can you tell, I only have a ton already on the blog. And more to come. LOL!!
Lucie
I love how simple this is Sophia! I'm fairly new to marinara (it doesn't seem to be much of a thing in Europe for some odd reason) but I'm falling in love already. And thanks for the jar tip!
veggiesdontbite
That's so interesting Lucie! I never knew it wasn't a thing everywhere. But yes, it's so easy to make and so good with many different types of meals! Thank you so much!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I'm such a jar fan 😉 When I have my own house and perfect kitchen, my pantry will be one of those you see on Pinterest with the beautiful jars filled with all the goodies 😉
Plus...homemade sauce..a must! There is no such thing as buying sauce in my house (even though my mom and brother never listen to me....and refuse...)
veggiesdontbite
I am obsessed with jars!!! I think I may need an intervention. LOLOL! I have a lot of my stuff organized in jars and containers of all types and it just makes me calm and happy. When I'm stressed, I like to reorganize it all...I know I'm weird. LOL