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The Recipe · No.17 · Marinara Sauce

Marinara Sauce, and Where to Source It

Marinara Sauce — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Marinara Sauce Italian 5best2buy.com

Marinara is proof that two ingredients bought well beat a jar of anything: a great canned tomato and good olive oil. No sugar, no twenty ingredients — just a clove of garlic and a little patience. Here’s how, and where to buy the two that matter.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep5 min
Cook35 min
Makesenough for 1 lb pasta
CuisineItalian
Cost$
VeganGluten-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 1 lb pasta
Our ratio, your call. The amounts below are a tested starting point — a version, not the one and only. Anything tagged to taste is the knob you turn: start there, then make it yours.
Whole peeled tomatoes
The entire dish. A sweet, low-acid San Marzano or California tomato, crushed by hand.
1 can (28 oz)recommended
Source it →
Extra-virgin olive oil
A generous glug to start and a raw thread to finish. It carries the whole flavor.
¼ cuprecommended
Source it →
Garlic & basil
A clove or two, and a few basil leaves at the end. Fresh — buy local.
to tasteto taste
Garlic →
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
EffortEasy
Cook it with
One-potNo-cook
The Method
  1. Warm the garlicGently warm the olive oil with smashed garlic until fragrant and pale gold — not browned.
  2. Add the tomatoesCrush the tomatoes in by hand, add a pinch of salt, and let it come to a low simmer.
  3. Simmer downSimmer gently 30–40 minutes, stirring now and then, until it thickens and the oil turns orange at the edges — the sign it’s done.
  4. FinishTear in basil, add a raw thread of olive oil, and toss with pasta, saving a little pasta water to loosen.
The Toolkit

Saucepan · Wooden spoon · Can strainer

Straight Answers
Can you freeze Marinara Sauce? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Marinara Sauce ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it keeps in the fridge for several days; stir or shake it before serving.

Is Marinara Sauce gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Marinara Sauce vegan? — Yes

Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.17

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