Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsMerritt CanteenMarinara Recipe

Marinara Recipe

Inspired by Merritt Canteen
Time1h
Serves4

Classic Italian tomato sauce.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

Method

Preparation

  1. 1

    Prepare the Ingredients

    Start by dicing the yellow onion and mincing the garlic cloves. Chop the fresh basil leaves and set aside.

Cooking

  1. 2

    Sauté Onions and Garlic

    In a large saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  2. 3

    Add Tomatoes

    Pour in the canned whole tomatoes (including the juice) into the saucepan. Use a wooden spoon to break the tomatoes up slightly.

  3. 4

    Season the Sauce

    Add the chopped basil, salt, black pepper, and sugar to the tomato mixture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

  4. 5

    Simmer the Sauce

    Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and the flavors will meld together.

  5. 6

    Adjust Seasoning

    Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or sugar if needed.

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