It’s a cool evening, the smell of fresh garlic wafts from the olive oil, and the deep red of ripe tomatoes simmers on the stove. Marinara sauce is a kitchen staple, and despite its simplicity, the best versions offer layers of flavor that seem far from basic. Finding ready-made sauces without hidden gluten can be a challenge for those following a gluten-free lifestyle. But with this homemade gluten-free marinara sauce, you’ll love it as a delicious homemade alternative with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Whether tossing it with gluten-free pasta, using it as a pizza base, or spooning it over roasted vegetables, this gluten-free marinara sauce is your go-to. You ensure every ingredient aligns with your dietary needs by making it yourself. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Naturally Gluten-Free: Every ingredient in this recipe is gluten-free by nature, and there’s no risk of hidden gluten that you might find in store-bought sauces.
Customizable Flavor: This sauce allows for easy tweaks. Want it spicy? Add more red pepper flakes. Prefer a bit of sweetness? The optional sugar helps balance the acidity of tomatoes.
Healthy and Versatile: Low in calories, high in flavor, and free from preservatives, it works well in many dishes, including pasta, pizza, meatballs, and more.
Budget-Friendly: A handful of pantry staples and fresh tomatoes create a rich sauce without the price tag of specialty store-bought versions.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Crushed Tomatoes: Using high-quality tomatoes is critical to the sauce’s flavor. Suppose you can go for San Marzano tomatoes. Fresh tomatoes also work great—just peel and crush them first.
Tomato Paste: This gives the sauce depth and thickness. Make sure it’s labeled gluten-free, as some brands may have additives.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but if you’re short on time, garlic powder can be substituted (about 1 teaspoon for 4 cloves).
Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil for a rich flavor that complements the acidity of the tomatoes.
Herbs: Dried thyme and basil give the marinara flavor, but can be substituted for fresh herbs. Dried herbs have a more intense flavor, so adjust quantities accordingly.

Step by Step Instructions

1 . Prep the Ingredients

Prepare all the ingredients. Having everything ready – from the chopped onions to the minced garlic and the spices – makes the cooking process much easier.

2 . Cook the Spices

Start by heating the olive oil in a saucepan. Next, add the onions, stirring occasionally. After 5-6 minutes, add the garlic and stir briefly.

3 . The Sauce Base

I love this moment when I add the crushed tomatoes to the tomato paste and start stirring. Don’t forget to add the dried herbs and season with salt and pepper and adjust the amounts according to your preference of spices.

4 . Simmer

Reduce heat and allow sauce to simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. After about 30 minutes, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Tips for Success

Simmer: The more time the sauce is allowed to simmer, the more the flavors really combine. Patience is critical with that rich, multi-layered taste.
Taste: Season to taste, and adjust flavors. Balance of salt, sugar, and acidity is important in creating a well-rounded sauce.
Use Fresh Tomatoes When in Season: Use fresh, ripe tomatoes when in season. This gluten-free marinara sauce will be a perfect match during summer. The flavor will be sweet and vibrant.

Variants and Customizations

Vegetables Add : For a heartier sauce, add finely chopped vegetables like carrots or bell peppers during the sautéing process.
Protein Boost : Stir in cooked ground beef, turkey, or even lentils for a meatier, protein-packed marinara.
Spice It Up : Add more red pepper flakes to taste, or with a splash of hot sauce for those that really like it hot.
Herb Variants : Switch the basil with thyme or parsley for an alternative herbal profile.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers: Allow the sauce to cool completely to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will be kept in the refrigerator up to 4 days or frozen up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat In a saucepan over low, warm through the sauce, stirring occasionally. If frozen, let the sauce defrost in the refrigerator — taking into consideration your refrigerator’s defrosting time — then warm.

Serving Suggestions

Gluten-Free Pasta: Toss this marinara with your favorite gluten-free pasta, such as brown rice, quinoa, or lentil pasta.
Pizza Sauce: Spread it over a gluten-free pizza crust and top with fresh mozzarella and basil.
Dipping Sauce: Use it as a dip for gluten-free garlic bread or crispy fried zucchini sticks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I prepare this sauce beforehand?

A: Absolutely! This gluten-free marinara sauce improves in flavor the longer it sits. For the best results, make it a day or two in advance.

Q: Is this sauce vegan?

A: Yes! The recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Q: Can I freeze the sauce?

A: Yes, this sauce freezes well for up to 3 months. Just store it in a freezer-safe container.

Gluten-Free Marinara Sauce: A Simple and Flavorful Classic

Recipe by noglutenrecipe.comCourse: Blog, DinnerDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

kcal

This gluten-free marinara sauce combines fresh tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a touch of basil to create a bold, balanced sauce perfect for any Italian-inspired dish. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s gluten-free and naturally vegan.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes (or 6 large ripe tomatoes, peeled and crushed)
1 tablespoon tomato paste (gluten-free)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon sFresh basil leaves, for garnishugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
_{Calories: 80
Total Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 6g
Sodium: 240mg}

Directions

Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir the mixture well.
Simmer and Develop Flavor:
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve or Store:
Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove from heat. Serve immediately over your favorite gluten-free pasta or let it cool before storing.

Notes

More Recipes

Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan
Gluten-Free Meatballs
Gluten-Free Garlic Bread

Conclusion

Our gluten-free sauce is healthier and has a unique flavor. Whether you want to have it for a weeknight dinner or stock it up, this is a versatile recipe that everyone will love and one that you will always want on hand. Give it a try and don’t forget to check out more of these gluten-free recipes for meal ideas!

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