San Marzano Tomato Sauce (Marinara Sauce)

Pro Tips

• Choose Quality San Marzano Tomatoes – For a thick, rich, and naturally sweet sauce, always opt for D.O.P-certified San Marzano tomatoes from Italy. Organic options provide even better flavour. Canned tomatoes are easy to find that are Marzano tomatoes.
• Enhance with Sun-Dried Tomato Paste – Instead of regular tomato paste, try sun-dried tomato paste for a deeper, more complex taste. If unavailable, traditional tomato paste works as a substitute.
• Use Fresh Herbs for Authenticity – Stick to fresh basil and oregano for the most vibrant taste. A touch of thyme can add an extra layer of depth. Dried herbs just don’t compare when it comes to homemade tomato sauce.
• Boost Umami with a Parmesan Rind – Save the rind from your Parmesan block and let it simmer in your sauce. It won’t melt but will infuse the sauce with a rich, savory depth. Remove before serving. A must try!
• Don’t Skimp on Garlic – The secret to a flavourful tomato sauce is plenty of garlic. It won’t overwhelm the dish but will add a balanced, aromatic richness.
• Balance Acidity with a Carrot – A whole peeled carrot simmered in the sauce naturally absorbs acidity, creating a more balanced, mellow tomato flavour. Simply discard it before serving (this keeps the sauce keto-friendly too).
• Use the Right Cookware – Always cook tomato sauce in a stainless steel pot to prevent any metallic taste. Avoid non-stick or cast iron, which can react with the acidity.
• Add onions – This Italian tomato sauce doesn’t contain any onions. Some versions do, but this one is simple. If you want to add onion, finely chop or grate them and saute in olive oil until soft and translucent before adding the tomatoes.
• Infuse Garlic Flavour Without Overpowering – For a milder garlic essence, sauté whole garlic cloves in oil until golden, then remove them before adding other ingredients.
• Season Properly – Salt needs to be cooked into the sauce rather than added at the end. Taste as you go to ensure a well-balanced seasoning.
• Don’t Over-Simmer – Unlike other tomato sauces that need hours, San Marzano sauce shines with a shorter cooking time, preserving its fresh and vibrant flavour.