Go Back
To make a rich and tasty ravioli sauce, you need the following: - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes - 1 tablespoon tomato paste - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish You can swap some items if needed: - Use cooking oil instead of olive oil. - Sweet onion can replace the regular onion. - Canned diced tomatoes work well instead of crushed tomatoes. - Use fresh herbs if you have them. Just add more for a stronger taste. - For a vegan option, ensure the sugar is vegan-friendly. - Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This adds a fruity note. Choose a good quality for best flavor. - Onion: A finely chopped onion gives sweetness and depth. - Garlic: Fresh garlic is key. It gives the sauce its wonderful aroma. - Crushed Tomatoes: Look for high-quality brands for a bright taste. - Tomato Paste: This thickens the sauce and adds richness. - Sugar: A small amount helps balance the acidity of tomatoes. - Dried Herbs: Use dried herbs for a more concentrated flavor. Adjust based on your taste. - Salt and Pepper: Season well. This enhances all the flavors in the sauce. These ingredients and tips will help you create a sauce that pairs perfectly with your homemade ravioli. Enjoy the rich and comforting taste! {{ingredient_image_2}} To make a hearty tomato basil marinara, start by gathering your ingredients. In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Next, add 1 finely chopped medium onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it soft and translucent. Now, stir in 4 minced garlic cloves. Cook this mix for 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful! If you brown the garlic, it can taste bitter. After that, pour in 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Next, add 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Mix everything together. This helps the herbs spread their flavor throughout the sauce. Then, season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Increase the heat until the sauce begins to simmer. Once it simmers, reduce the heat to low. Let it cook uncovered for about 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to stop it from sticking. This simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When the sauce thickens, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool slightly before serving. Sautéing garlic and onion can make or break your sauce. Start with medium heat. Too high, and your onion may burn. Cook the onion for 5 to 7 minutes until it is soft and clear. When you add garlic, watch it closely. Cook it for just 1 to 2 minutes. You want it fragrant but not brown. If it turns brown, it can taste bitter, ruining your sauce. The total cooking time for this sauce is about 40 minutes. Prep time is around 10 minutes. - Sauté the onion for 5 to 7 minutes. - Cook the garlic for 1 to 2 minutes. - Simmer the sauce for 20 to 25 minutes. These times help develop rich flavors in your sauce. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. Enjoy the process and the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen! To make your homemade ravioli sauce stand out, use fresh ingredients. Fresh herbs like basil can boost flavor. I recommend using good-quality olive oil. It adds richness and depth to the sauce. When cooking onions, let them soften fully. This step builds a sweet base for your sauce. Adding sugar to the sauce helps balance acidity from the tomatoes. Stir in the sugar after the tomatoes. It makes a big difference. For a deeper flavor, let the sauce simmer longer. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. One common mistake is overcooking garlic. If it burns, it can make the sauce bitter. Keep an eye on it as you cook. Another error is not seasoning enough. Taste your sauce as it cooks. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Avoid using canned tomatoes that are not crushed. Whole or diced tomatoes can change the texture. Stick to crushed tomatoes for a smooth sauce. Lastly, don't skip the simmering step. It helps thicken the sauce and deepen the flavor. When serving your ravioli, add a generous scoop of sauce on top. This helps the pasta soak up the flavor. For a nice touch, sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the dish. A drizzle of olive oil adds shine and richness. You can also serve with grated cheese, like Parmesan. It adds a salty, nutty flavor. Pair your ravioli with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Explore different ravioli fillings too, like cheese or spinach. Each filling complements the marinara sauce in its own way. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and high-quality crushed tomatoes can significantly enhance the flavor of your marinara sauce. Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer, and if you like it thinner, add a splash of water or broth. Flavor Enhancements: Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat or a splash of red wine for depth. Storage Tips: This sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. {{image_4}} You can easily make this sauce vegan. Start by using olive oil, as usual. Instead of adding any cheese, consider using nutritional yeast. This will give a nice cheese-like flavor. You can also add more vegetables. Try bell peppers or mushrooms for extra depth. They add great taste and texture. For gluten-free ravioli sauce, focus on the ingredients. The base sauce is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your ravioli is gluten-free too. Look for brands that use rice or corn flour. This way, you can enjoy your meal without worry. Want to add a kick? You can spice up the sauce easily. Add red pepper flakes for heat. Start with a pinch and adjust to your taste. If you want more flavor, consider fresh herbs. Adding fresh parsley or thyme can brighten the sauce. Mix them in right at the end for the best taste. After enjoying your homemade ravioli sauce, you may have some left. To store it, let it cool first. Then, pour the sauce into an airtight container. Make sure to cover it tightly. This keeps out air and moisture, which helps maintain flavor. Store the sauce in the fridge for up to five days. Always label the container with the date. This way, you know when to use it. If you want to save your sauce for later, freezing is a great option. Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage. Leave some space at the top of the container. Sauce expands when it freezes. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, use the microwave on low power. To reheat your sauce, pour it into a saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring often. This helps the sauce warm evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water or broth. This brings back its smooth texture. Always taste the sauce after reheating. You might want to add a pinch of salt or pepper to boost the flavor. Enjoy your delicious sauce with freshly cooked ravioli! To thicken marinara sauce, you have a few great options. First, let it simmer longer. The heat helps reduce the sauce and makes it thicker. Stir it often to avoid sticking. Second, you can add a bit of tomato paste. This adds both thickness and flavor. Lastly, use a cornstarch slurry. Mix cornstarch with cold water, then stir it into the sauce. Heat until thickened. Each method works well, so choose what fits your needs best. Yes, you can make this sauce ahead of time! It tastes even better after sitting for a day. Make the sauce, then cool it. Store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, freeze it. It lasts for about three months in the freezer. Just thaw it in the fridge before using. Reheat gently on the stove for the best result. Many types of ravioli go well with this marinara sauce. Cheese ravioli is a classic choice. The rich cheese flavor complements the sauce nicely. If you like meat, try beef or sausage ravioli. The hearty flavors blend well together. For a veggie option, spinach and ricotta ravioli work great too. The sauce adds a nice touch to the fresh taste of the spinach. Whatever you choose, this sauce will enhance your meal! Homemade ravioli sauce is easy to make with the right ingredients and steps. You can choose fresh flavors or adapt them to suit your diet. Keep tips in mind to avoid mistakes. Consider variations to spice things up. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later. With this guide, you're ready to craft a delicious sauce that complements any ravioli. Cooking can be simple and fun. Enjoy your culinary journey!

Hearty Tomato Basil Marinara

A rich and flavorful marinara sauce made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
  • Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be cautious to avoid browning the garlic, as it can become bitter if overcooked.
  • Carefully pour in the crushed tomatoes, followed by the tomato paste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
  • Add the sugar, dried oregano, and dried basil, mixing everything together to ensure even distribution.
  • Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
  • Increase the stove heat slightly until the sauce begins to simmer, then reduce it to low. Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • When the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve over freshly cooked ravioli and garnish with fresh basil and olive oil.
Keyword basil, marinara, sauce, tomato