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Home » World Cuisine

Hearty and Easy Marinara Sauce

Dated: November 10, 2021 . Modified: Nov 30, 2021 by Kate Hahnel

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Flavors of basil, garlic, and tomatoes are simmered to robust perfection in this hearty, and easy marinara sauce!! This recipe, which can be made using canned or fresh tomatoes, is also keto, and paleo-friendly.

Marinara sauce garnished with some basil leaves.

*This post may contain affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

For those who prefer a visual walkthrough, see how I make this sauce on my YouTube channel.

One of my favorite things to do is to make different types of sauces from scratch. If you love homemade sauces as much as I do, then you certainly want to try our Moroccan chermoula and cilantro chimichurri sauces too (both are keto and paleo-friendly).

why this recipe works

  • Easy to make
  • Healthy:- it is keto, gluten-free, free from added sugars, vegan, paleo-friendly, whole30-friendly, and made with wholesome ingredients. It also does not contain any artificial ingredients; as they say, homemade is indeed best!
  • Convenient:- this hearty marinara sauce can easily be made from scratch using canned or fresh tomatoes, making it absolutely convenient.
  • So many uses:- use this tasty tomato sauce for your pizzas, casseroles, pastas, meatloaf, meatballs or for other flavorful meals that call for tomato or spaghetti sauce.

ingredients

You don't need much for this recipe! Just a handful of items from the local farmers' market or grocery store.

  • Extra Virgin Olive oil - I like to use olive oil but any kind of neutral keto or low carb compliant oil such as avocado oil, is okay to use.
  • Fresh Garlic cloves.
  • Tomatoes - Roma, and cherry tomatoes are the most common varieties that I use when making tomato sauce, but simply use any type of tomatoes you have in hand. If making this recipe using canned tomatoes, then use a good-quality brand such as San Marzano (not sponsored).
  • Onion - I like to use an onion to lend some flavor to the sauce. Add it quartered to the simmering sauce then remove it once cooked. This means you do not have to worry about it increasing your net carb count and spoiling your keto diet.
  • Fresh Basil - similar to the onion, add a large sprig of basil, which you can then remove later once the spaghetti sauce is cooked through. I also like to reserve a few leaves which I then finely slice into ribbons, and use as garnish.
  • Oregano - If you can, use fresh oregano to deliver the best flavor, but the dried spice also works well.
  • Red chilli pepper flakes.
  • Half a cup of water.
  • Salt.

Craving more easy recipes? Then try our blueberry almond milk smoothie, our paleo taco seasoning, or air fryer herb chicken, next!

how to make hearty marinara sauce

Making your own hearty marinara sauce from scratch has never been easier. And while easy marinara sauce is traditionally made using fresh peeled tomatoes, you can still make them using canned tomatoes as follows:-

Method 1: Using Fresh Tomatoes

Preparing the tomatoes for peeling.
  1. We start by peeling the tomatoes. Boil some water, give each tomato a little X-shaped scar at the top, then give them a quick dip in the hot water for about a minute.
Peeling and deseeding tomatoes.
  1. While the tomatoes boil, we prepare a bowl of icy water. Once done, use tongs to move the tomatoes into the cold bath for easier peeling.
  2. Let them cool a bit, then move to a board. Peel, deseed, and quarter them. The skin should slide right off!
  3. Put the peeled tomatoes in a bowl and crush by hand. Then, heat a saucepan on medium, adding olive oil and slivered garlic.
Cooking Keto marinara sauce
  1. Once the garlic has briefly sizzled, we then add the crushed tomatoes, water, salt, chili flakes, oregano, onion, and basil; stir. Cover and simmer on low, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add more salt if needed, garnish with some thinly sliced basil leaves and serve.

Method 2: Using Canned Tomatoes

Crushing tomatoes in a bowl with the hand.
  1. Crush the canned tomatoes in a bowl with your hands, following the Italian tradition of hands-on cooking (see useful tips below).
  2. Once the tomatoes are crushed, continue from the '' the rest of the steps in Method 1 above (i.e., beginning with sautéing the garlic, followed by adding the tomatoes and seasonings, simmering until cooked, garnishing, and then serving).

Related recipes: For more flavorful and healthy recipes like this, try our air fryer salmon bites, pilau masala spice, or this brussel sprouts with bacon, next!

useful tips

  • I do not recommend using a cast iron skillet or a metalic pot as the tomato sauce may end up having an acidic taste.
  • Don't skimp on the olive oil. Olive oil is essential for flavor and texture.
  • This is a true Italian recipe where the use of hands in cooking is very common. Just think about all the wonderful dishes that we make using our hands, starting with pizza!
  • For a non-traditional marinara and considering tomatoes' varied acidity, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar, sugar-free sweetener (for keto), or a cup of grated carrots to cut the acidity of the tomatoes. Similarly, thicken the sauce by using grated carrots or half a teaspoon xanthan gum (for those on a low-carb diet).
  • For variation, throw in some anchovies, capers, olives or your favorite seasonings and herbs for a variation in the flavor! Add about half a cup of red wine for a depth in flavor, but keep an eye on the net carb count, if on a low-carb diet! This sauce is even tastier when made a day ahead.
Marinara sauce garnished with some basil leaves.

serving suggestions

Let's start with the classic ways of serving it:-

  1. pasta: toss it with your favorite pasta, be it spaghetti, penne, or ziti, and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
  2. meat: use as a base for meatballs or pour over grilled chicken or fish for added depth and flavor.
  3. Use it when making your homemade pizza.
  4. Serve it warm as a dipping sauce alongside some garlic bread, breadsticks, or mozzarella sticks.
  5. For a hearty meal, use it as a filling for lasagna, stuffed bell peppers, or eggplant rollatini.

For those on special diets, it goes well with mashed cauliflower, spiralized vegetables, such as zucchini and carrots. As always, do not let this limit you, feel free to serve it with your favorite dishes!

storage

Make great use of the bountiful tomato harvest in summer by making this homemade recipe ahead, then storing it in the fridge or freezer! Just make sure to use clearly labeled BPA-free containers, clearly marked with best-by dates.

  • This sauce will keep fresh in the fridge for four to five days. To prevent the marinara sauce from staining your container, spray the insides of the container with cooking spray before filling. You can read more about how to store food and leftovers in the fridge here.
  • To freeze, just fill the tomato sauce into airtight containers and store it in the freezer. This sauce will keep in the freezer for four to six months.

frequently asked questions

What is hearty marinara sauce

Hearty marinara sauce is a tomato-based sauce with a chunkier consistency and a more pronounced flavor than traditional marinara sauce. It is typically made using whole peeled tomatoes that are crushed by hand, and occasionally using canned whole tomatoes . This gives the sauce a chunkier texture and a richer flavor. Hearty marinara sauce may also contain other vegetables, such as onions, carrots, celery, or peppers.

How do you thicken the marinara sauce?

Add two tablespoons of cassava or wheat flour to a small bowl and combine this with six tablespoons of water to form a paste. Pour the paste into the marinara sauce then stir, until the desired thickness is attained. Use half of a teaspoon of xanthan gum mixed with 6 teaspoons of water for keto and low carb.
Other ways to thicken the sauce:
Stir in chopped vegetables such as zucchini and carrots halfway through cooking, and allow the vegetables to simmer with the rest of the ingredients, or simply add mashed potatoes or celery root to the cooked sauce. You also want to simmer the sauce for at least 25-30 minutes. This helps the thicken the sauce, and develop the flavors.

How do I tell that my marinara sauce is cooked?

You can tell it is cooked through when the oil separates from the tomato mass and floats on top of the sauce. Also, the cooked sauce will have an orange-red color and taste less tangy as the heat helps cut down the acidity.

Can I eat marinara sauce on keto?

When used in moderation, tomatoes can be eaten on a keto or low-carb diet. Just be careful with store-bought or ready-made sauces, as they do tend to come packed with added sugars and preservatives.

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Enjoy making this recipe! Be sure to give it a review ⭐ below!

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This recipe was updated in December 2023 to a more simplified, and reader-friendly version. It was originally written in February 2020.

📖 Recipe

Marinara sauce garnished with some basil leaves.

Hearty and Easy Marinara Sauce

Kate Hahnel
Flavors of basil, garlic, and tomatoes are simmered to robust perfection in this hearty, and easy marinara sauce!! This recipe, which can be made using canned or fresh tomatoes, is also keto, and paleo-friendly.
5 from 11 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins
Course Dips, Dressings and Sauces
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 110 kcal

Equipment

A medium-sized non-metallic (or ceramic) pot
A medium-sized non-metallic (or ceramic) pot
a chopping board
a chopping board
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Ingredients
  

  • 28 ounces tomatoes - about 794 grams (or canned, whole tomatoes)
  • 1 red or white onion (halved or quartered)
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (alternatively, you can use any low-carb or keto-compliant oil such as avocado oil)
  • 6 cloves garlic (slivered)
  • 1 large sprig basil leaves (plus a few leaves cut into thin ribbons, to garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup water

Instructions
 

Using Fresh Tomatoes

  • Start by peeling the tomatoes. To do this, boil some water in a pot then use a sharp knife to make X-shaped cuts at the top of each tomato. Next, place the fresh tomatoes into the pot for about 60 seconds.
  • Meanwhile, separately fill a large bowl with ice-cold water. Use kitchen tongs to carefully remove the tomatoes from the pot and slide them into the bowl with the ice-cold water. Peel and deseed the tomatoes (the skin should now easily come off).
  • Transfer the tomatoes to a chopping board, allow to slightly cool then chop into quarters. Next, place the peeled tomatoes in a large bowl and use your hands to crush them.
  • Set the saucepan to heat under medium heat. To the pan, add the olive oil and slivered garlic. Allow the garlic to sizzle for about a minute, then stir in the fresh tomatoes, onion, water, salt, red chili pepper flakes, oregano, and the sprig of basil, then stir.
  • Reduce the heat to a low, cover, and cook for a further 25-30 minutes, stirring from time so the marinara does not burn. I recommend covering as it helps the tomatoes to sweat, so they break down easily. Once cooked, remove the basil and onion and set them aside in a bowl.
  • Add more salt if needed, garnish with some thinly sliced basil leaves and serve.

Using Canned Tomatoes

  • Transfer the canned tomatoes to a bowl then crush them with your hands. This method yields a hearty marinara sauce. If you prefer a smoother consistency, use a hand blender.
  • Once the tomatoes are crushed, continue from step number 4 above in how to make the sauce using fresh tomatoes (i.e., sautéing the garlic, adding the tomatoes and seasonings, simmering until cooked, garnishing, and serving).

Notes

        • I do not recommend using a cast iron skillet or a metallic pot as the tomato sauce may end up having an acidic taste.
        • This is a true Italian recipe where the use of hands in cooking is very common. Just think about all the wonderful dishes that we make using our hands, starting with pizza! I am however, not going to restrict you so just use a hand blender if you prefer to work this way or to have your sauce less chunky.
        • For a non-traditional marinara and considering tomatoes' varied acidity, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar, sugar-free sweetener (for keto), or a cup of grated carrots to cut the acidity of the tomatoes. Similarly, thicken the soup using grated carrots or half a teaspoon xanthan gum (for those on a low-carb diet).
        • For variation, throw in some anchovies, capers, olives or your favorite seasonings and herbs for a variation in the flavor! Add about half a cup of red wine for a depth in flavor, but keep an eye on the net carb count, if on a low-carb diet! This sauce is even tastier when made a day ahead.
  • Refrigeration and Freezing - Keep your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days or in the freezer for 4-6 months.
Nutritional information on the site is an estimate calculated using a third-party source and is provided for informational purposes only. It is highly recommended that you make your own calculations. If you have any specific dietary concerns, kindly consult with your healthcare practitioner. Variations may occur for many reasons, such as ingredients used and food preparation. We make no representation or warranty of the accuracy of this information.

Nutrition

Calories: 110kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 1gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 401mgPotassium: 337mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1210IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe? I would love it if you could leave a rating by clicking on the stars above on this recipe card.Pin this recipe on Pinterest or tag me out on socials @weeatatlast. I love seeing your creations.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sara

    October 06, 2022 at 3:08 pm

    So glad I came across this recipe. I just bought some hearts of palm spaghetti and was looking for a good tomato sauce recipe. Can’t wait to try it today! Thanks for sharing.

    • Kate Hahnel

      October 08, 2022 at 5:58 pm

      Thank you and have fun making it!!

  2. Chenée

    November 15, 2021 at 9:12 am

    5 stars
    Love this low carb version of marinara sauce! It's gonna be my new go-to recipe from now on -- so delicious and easy to make!

  3. Moop Brown

    November 15, 2021 at 9:06 am

    5 stars
    This marinara sauce seems super versatile and is something I can see being used for a variety of different recipes. I also appreciate that it is keto as well!

  4. Tammy

    November 12, 2021 at 8:40 pm

    5 stars
    You just can't beat homemade marinara especially with fresh tomatoes. Your sauce looks perfect!

    • Kate Hahnel

      November 12, 2021 at 9:57 pm

      That is so true! Nothing beats some good homemade tomato sauce!

  5. Louise

    November 11, 2021 at 5:18 am

    5 stars
    This is such a great sauce to use as a base for everything!
    Plus I love that it is naturally keto and GF (and dairy free...but most tomato sauces are) . Means I don't have to cook two separate sauces for the family as we have various dietry issues!
    So good!

    • Kate Hahnel

      November 12, 2021 at 9:47 pm

      That is absolutely true, it is so versatile!

  6. Jessica

    November 10, 2021 at 5:45 pm

    This is so much better than store-bought marinara; so fresh, flavorful, and tasty! Will definitely be making again.

  7. Heidy

    November 09, 2021 at 11:57 pm

    5 stars
    This was an Italian-American variation of our actual Italian sauce and fabulous recipe that my entire family enjoyed. I'm looking forward to seeing some of your other recipes and making them! Have a great day! Happy Holidays!
    Heidy

  8. Cathleen

    November 09, 2021 at 11:39 pm

    5 stars
    Wow, this sauce is amazing!! I know that this is going to be a regular at my house. Thank you so much for the recipe: )

  9. Kayla DiMaggio

    November 09, 2021 at 4:48 pm

    5 stars
    Loving that this is paleo!

  10. Patricia

    November 09, 2021 at 3:25 am

    5 stars
    There are so many great ways to use this sauce! Seriously, the ideas are endless! Nice that it includes simple and healthy ingredients!

    • Kate Hahnel

      November 09, 2021 at 9:52 pm

      That's so true, it is very versatile!

  11. Bernice

    November 09, 2021 at 2:35 am

    5 stars
    Who knew that classic marinara sauce was already keto and paleo?! Love these flavours and how versatile the sauce is on every dish.

5 from 11 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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