10-Minute Homemade Marinara Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon fresh black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the olive oil to the pan, allowing it to warm for 1 minute, then add the garlic and sauté it for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it’s golden brown and fragrant.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, sugar and crushed red pepper flakes (optional), stirring to combine. Simmer the sauce for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, then season it with additional salt, pepper or sugar, to taste.

Notes:

1. The strongest flavor of the marinara sauce will depend on what variety of crushed tomatoes you use. My preferred brand is San Marzano Crushed Tomatoes.
2. This recipe can serve as the starting point for many other sauce variations. Feel free to add fresh basil, sautéed onions and any other preferred add-ins.