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–+ servings
red marinara sauce

Homemade Marinara Dipping Sauce (Canned Tomatoes)

Allie Hagerty
Myhomemade marinara dipping sauceis perfect accompaniment for all yourfavorite snacks, like roasted ravioli, arancini, mozzarella sticks, and garlic bread!It comes together on the stovetop with simple spices and canned crushedtomatoes, so it couldn’t be easier to make. Rich, flavorful, and ready in just 30minutes from start to finish, it's the perfectdipping sauce for mozzarella sticksor any yummy snack!
5 from 3 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Sauce, Snack
Servings 20 servings

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • cutting board
  • Knife
  • measuring spoons
  • can opener
  • Grater (for Parmigiano Reggiano, if not pre-grated)
  • Airtight container for storage (if applicable)

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 halved onion
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmigiano Reggiano
  • a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat optional

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add minced garlic and the halved onion to the pan and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow it to caramelize slightly.
  • Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and stir well. Add dried oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  • Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
  • Let the sauce simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Once done, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  • Remove the onion and discard.
  • Stir in the grated Parmigiano Reggiano until it's fully incorporated.

Notes

Storage and Reheating Instructions

  • Storage - Refrigerate the cooled marinara dipping sauce in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Consider portioning it into smaller containers for easy thawing.
  • Reheating - Thaw frozen sauce overnight in the refrigerator or use the microwave's defrost setting. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Adjust the consistency with water or broth if needed and refresh the seasoning as desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2tablespoonsCalories: 37kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 1gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 77mgPotassium: 139mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 119IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 1mg
Keyword dips, entertaining, tomatoes
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