Nonna RiRi’s Marinara
Nonna RiRi’s Marinara is a rich, slow‑simmered tomato sauce layered with sautéed onions, garlic, and classic Italian spices. As it gently cooks for 2½ hours, the flavors deepen and concentrate, creating a velvety, aromatic sauce that tastes like it came straight from an Italian grandmother’s kitchen. This comforting, from‑scratch marinara brings warmth, depth, and old‑school charm to any pasta night.
Ingredients for Nonna RiRi’s Marinara
- tomato puree
- crushed tomatoes
- tomato paste
- onions
- garlic
- Italian spices: basil, oregano, salt, pepper
- sugar
- olive oil
This is not the time to skimp on brands. I use the best-rated canned puree and crushed tomatoes that my supermarket carries. You can taste the difference, so do your research. Try to find pure contents without added salt, sugar, or other additives.
Nonna RiRi’s Marinara
Ingredients
- 28 oz Tomato puree
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 12 oz tomato paste
- 1½ cups water
- 1 large onion minced
- 4 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp sweet basil
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ½ cup olive oil
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and stir.
- Add in tomato paste and water, bring to a simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add tomato puree, crushed tomatoes, and sugar. Bring to a slow boil, then simmer over low heat for 2½-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Notes
This marinara sauce can be used for any pasta dish or pizza.
You may add browned sausage, meatballs, or chicken to the sauce for the last hour of cooking.