Dairy Free Tomato Sauce (Marinara)

A great marinara is one of those foundational recipes that makes everything else in the kitchen better, and this one delivers serious depth with a short, clean ingredient list. San Marzano tomatoes are the real star here — crushed by hand so you get that rustic, uneven texture that clings beautifully to pasta rather than sliding right off. Garlic is coaxed low and slow in olive oil until it turns pale golden and fragrant, building a savory base before the tomatoes ever hit the pan. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds just enough warmth without overwhelming the bright, natural sweetness of the tomatoes. The whole thing simmers uncovered until the color shifts from vivid red to a deeper brick tone — that visual cue alone tells you the flavors have concentrated and come together. Torn fresh basil and a final drizzle of olive oil stirred in off the heat keep things vibrant and aromatic. Since every ingredient here is naturally plant-based, there's nothing to swap or second-guess — just a rich, silky sauce that happens to be completely free of dairy without any compromise in flavor.

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