Making a classic marinara sauce is very easy and simple using pantry staple items. No need for oil either – this tomato based sauce is still going to be full flavored and make your taste buds dance! It goes together quickly and needs just a small amount of simmer time. Enjoy it over your favorite pasta shape or zucchini noodles also known as “zoodles.”
Shown here is a double batch of Classic Marinara. It freezes well so why not make a double batch and have some made ahead for easy food prep. You know how I love to batch prep food!
Six ingredients is all you need to make a fabulous marinara sauce. This recipe does call for some Date Paste and we have a recipe and video on how to make it.
This is a short video explaining how to make this simple but delicious Marinara Sauce.
These are my favorite organic no salt added crushed tomatoes. I find them at Whole Foods. You can use any brand that you have available in your area. Keep canned crushed tomatoes in your pantry all the time so you can whip this recipe up whenever you need a quick and easy meal. If you can’t find crushed tomatoes you can use canned whole tomatoes and break the tomatoes up with your hand as you put them in the pot. You can always use a hand blender to make them more smooth if desired.
This is what Date Paste looks like and here is a Date Paste recipe and video for you to watch. If you are unable to get dates you could sub 1 tablespoon maple syrup for the date paste. I use date paste because it is less proccessed and more nutritional than maple syrup.
I microwave my zoodles for 2 minutes just enough to heat them up but not make them all watery. Then top with the hot Marinara Sauce and some Faux Parmesan Sprinkle. This Marinara Sauce is perfect for using in my Mushroom Spinach Lasagna – recipe and video coming soon! If you like Italian food be sure to check out my very silky smooth Vegan Alfredo Sauce.
Classic Marinara Sauce – No Oil
Ingredients
- 3 cloves garlic minced or to taste
- 2 – 28 ounce cans *Crushed Tomatoes, no salt added
- 2 Tablespoons date paste
- 3 Tablespoons Nutritional Yeast
- 3 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 1 Teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 Tablespoon dried basil
- 1 Pinch red pepper flakes – optional
Instructions
- In a dutch oven or large pot over medium high heat pour in a couple tablespoons of water and the minced garlic, saute just a minute or two , add more water to prevent sticking if needed – we don’t want to burn the garlic. Add the rest of the ingredients and bring it to a boil, turn down the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring a couple times during the simmer.
Notes
All information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Please consult with your doctor before changing your diet. Videos produced by Nutmeg Notebook are intended for informational and entertainment purposes only.
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I can’t wait to try this. I have been wanting a good marinara sauce but the ones I find have oil. I did find one without but I am sure it was just tomatoes that were overcooked. It tasted like it had no spices. Ugh!
Tami – I made the marinara sauce today and it is delicious! I did add extra garlic. I haven’t found a jarred marinara without added things we don’t want. So this recipe is a game-changer for me, I’ll be making my own from now on. Thank you!
Hi Beth,
I am so glad you like it! Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. It’s nice to get feedback!
Happy Cooking,
Tami
Tami: I would like to freeze some containers of the marinara sauce. Do you sterilize the glass containers and how do you proceed to do it? I am new to home canning of any kind and a little terrorized by the perspective of canning improperly. This Classic Marinara Sauce looks delicious to me. Thank you for all your help! 😉