Turmeric Free Classic Marinara Sauce
A great marinara doesn't need a long ingredient list to deliver serious depth, and this one proves it. Garlic slowly bloomed in olive oil, crushed San Marzano tomatoes, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and torn fresh basil at the finish — that's the whole story, and it's a beautiful one. For anyone avoiding turmeric, jarred sauces can be a minefield since some brands sneak in spices or blends that aren't always obvious on the label. Making it from scratch here means you know exactly what's in the pot. The technique is straightforward: low-and-slow garlic, a rough crush on the tomatoes to keep some texture, and an unhurried simmer until the sauce thickens just enough to coat a spoon without turning heavy or paste-like. Finishing with fresh basil off the heat keeps that herby brightness alive rather than cooking it into the background. Spoon it over pasta, use it as a pizza base, or keep a batch in the fridge — it's the kind of sauce that makes everything else taste better.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 can (28 oz) whole peeled san marzano tomatoes
- ½ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ½ tsp granulated sugar (optional)
- 6 fresh basil leaves, torn
Instructions
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat until it shimmers. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to turn golden at the edges, about 2–3 minutes. Watch closely — garlic can brown quickly and will turn bitter.
- 2
Pour the canned tomatoes and their juices into the pan. Using a potato masher or fork, crush the tomatoes into rough, uneven pieces directly in the pan.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!