Nutmeg Free Classic Marinara Sauce

There is something deeply satisfying about a marinara that tastes like it came from a tiny trattoria, and this one absolutely delivers. Garlicky, bright, and finished with torn fresh basil, it hits every note you want from a classic red sauce. Nutmeg shows up in more tomato-based recipes than you might expect — tucked into meat sauces, béchamels, and even some jarred marinara blends — so having a from-scratch version you can trust is genuinely useful. Every ingredient here is straightforward and easy to verify, which means no label-reading anxiety and no guesswork. The technique is just as simple: bloom the garlic low and slow, crush the San Marzano tomatoes right in the pan, and let everything simmer down into something thick, glossy, and deeply flavorful. A pinch of sugar is optional but can round out any sharpness from the tomatoes, and the basil goes in at the very end so it stays fragrant and fresh. Toss it with pasta, spoon it over polenta, or use it as a base for whatever you're building — this sauce earns a permanent spot in your rotation.

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