1-Let’s walk through making this marinara sauce together it’s easier than you might think and only takes about 40 minutes total. Start by gathering your ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil, one-third cup finely minced shallot, 2 large minced garlic cloves, half teaspoon salt, one 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes, 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar, one-quarter teaspoon red pepper flakes, one-quarter teaspoon dried oregano, one-quarter teaspoon cane sugar, and ground black pepper to taste. This step ensures you’re set up for success with this classic marinara sauce recipe.

2-Heat the olive oil in a medium pot over low heat. Add the shallot, garlic, salt, and black pepper, cooking for about 3 minutes until they’re soft and translucent stir occasionally to avoid browning. Next, stir in the crushed tomatoes with their juices, along with the balsamic vinegar, cane sugar, oregano, and red pepper flakes for that perfect balance of flavors.

3-Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring every now and then until the sauce thickens nicely. Once done, taste and adjust the seasoning; it’s ready to serve over pasta or any dish you love. For dietary adaptations, like making this marinara sauce low-calorie, you can reduce the oil or tweak the spices to fit your needs.