An Italian classic from scratch, this authentic 1 pot vegan tomato sauce also known as Marinara, is simple, quick and easy to make and a major staple of a plant-based diet.
Add the olive oil (or water) to a heavy bottom pot together with the onion and a pinch of sea salt. Sautée until translucent but without turning brown so keep an eye on it and stir often.
Add the minced garlic and give it a quick stir. Allow it to infuse the oil for about 20 seconds or so taking care not to burn it.
Using your hands roughly crush the tomatoes as you add them to the pot with the onion and garlic. Add the bay leaves and fresh basil, stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
Partially cover with a lid and cook for about 30 minutes until thickened to your liking. Keep an eye in it during cooking to make sure the sugars from the tomatoes won’t stick to the bottom and burn. Stir well a few times.
Remove the sauce from flame, discard the bay leaves and season to taste with sea salt.
At this point you can serve it with your favorite whole-wheat pasta, in a lasagna, as a dipping sauce or store in jars for later use. It also freezes well.
WFPB + Plantricious
Omit the oil on a WFPB diet and simply replace with a splash of water, veggie stock or dry white wine.
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Notes
If you like things on the spicier side remember to add a good pinch of red pepper flakes in the beginning of cooking. However that will make your sauce “ angry or Arrabbiata “ .
Omit the oil on a WFPB diet and simply replace with a splash of water, veggie stock or dry white wine.