Are you tired of reaching for that jar of marinara sauce every time you want to make pasta or pizza? Well, it's time to ditch the store - bought stuff and embrace the deliciousness of homemade gluten - free marinara sauce. This sauce is not only a healthier option but also incredibly easy to make, taking just 20 minutes from start to finish. Once you try it, you might never go back to the jarred variety again.

First, let's talk about the ingredients. You'll need a few basic items that are likely already in your pantry or fridge. For the tomatoes, you can use canned crushed tomatoes. They are a convenient option and have a great flavor. A can of high - quality crushed tomatoes forms the base of our marinara sauce. Next, you'll need some olive oil. Olive oil adds a rich and smooth texture to the sauce. About two tablespoons of extra - virgin olive oil should do the trick.

Garlic is another essential ingredient. Garlic brings a wonderful aroma and a bit of pungency to the sauce. Mince about three cloves of fresh garlic. Onions are also important. Dice one small onion. The onion will add a sweet and savory flavor to the sauce. You'll also need some dried herbs. A combination of dried basil, oregano, and thyme works well. Add about one teaspoon each of these herbs to the sauce. Salt and pepper are, of course, necessary to season the sauce according to your taste. Start with about half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter - teaspoon of black pepper, and you can adjust later.

Now, let's get cooking. Heat the olive oil in a medium - sized saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 3 - 4 minutes until it becomes translucent. This step is crucial as it softens the onion and releases its natural sugars, giving the sauce a sweeter flavor. Then, add the minced garlic to the pan. Cook the garlic for about a minute, being careful not to burn it as burnt garlic can give the sauce a bitter taste.

After the garlic has cooked, pour in the can of crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Add the dried basil, oregano, and thyme to the saucepan. Stir the sauce again to distribute the herbs evenly. Bring the sauce to a simmer. Once it starts simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 15 minutes. During this time, the flavors will meld together, and the sauce will thicken slightly.

As the sauce is cooking, you can taste it and adjust the seasonings. If it needs more salt, add a little bit at a time and taste again. You can also add a bit more herbs if you want a stronger flavor. This is the beauty of making your own sauce - you can customize it to your liking.

Once the 15 minutes are up, your gluten - free homemade marinara sauce is ready. It has a rich, deep flavor that is far superior to most store - bought sauces. You can use this sauce in a variety of ways. For pasta, simply boil your favorite gluten - free pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and then toss it in the marinara sauce. You can add some grated parmesan cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor.

For pizza, spread the marinara sauce evenly over a gluten - free pizza crust. Add your favorite toppings such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake the pizza in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 12 - 15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Making your own gluten - free marinara sauce is not only a fun cooking project but also a great way to ensure that you're eating healthy and delicious food. With just 20 minutes of your time, you can create a sauce that will elevate your pasta and pizza to a whole new level. So, the next time you're in the mood for a tasty meal, skip the jarred sauce and whip up a batch of this amazing homemade marinara sauce.