Turmeric Free Paleo Marinara Sauce

Total time40 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time30 min

4.9

(13)

Rich, slow-simmered tomato sauce is one of those kitchen staples that should be simple — and this one absolutely is. San Marzano tomatoes bring a naturally sweet, low-acid depth that forms the backbone of the sauce, while garlic bloomed gently in good olive oil adds an aromatic base that smells incredible from the first minute on the stove. Dried oregano and a handful of torn fresh basil round everything out in the most classic, satisfying way. What makes this version especially easy to trust is how clean the ingredient list is — no fillers, no hidden spice blends, and nothing that would sneak in unwanted additives. Many jarred sauces and even restaurant versions rely on pre-mixed seasoning blends that can contain all kinds of extras, so making it from scratch gives you full control over every element. The slow 25-minute simmer is where the magic happens, coaxing the sauce from a bright, sharp red into a deeper, brick-toned richness that tastes like it took far more effort than it did. This is the kind of sauce that works over zucchini noodles, spooned onto a grain-free pizza base, or used as a dipping sauce straight from the pan. It stores beautifully, so making a full batch and keeping it in the fridge or freezer is absolutely worth it.

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Ingredients

4 servings

3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 can (28 oz) crushed san marzano tomatoes
½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp dried oregano
8 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, if using, 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 turn bitter.
2
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Add the salt, black pepper, and dried oregano.

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