Classic Italian Tomato Marinara Sauce (Oil-Free Dairy-Free)

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Classic Italian Tomato Marinara Sauce should be a staple in any kitchen. This vegan and whole food plant-based version is oil-free and dairy-free, making it a heart-healthy option that retains all the robust flavors of traditional marinara. Perfect for pasta, pizzas, and a variety of other dishes, this sauce is quick to

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Post Date: August 02, 2024
Posted by: Donna Spencer

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prepare and packed with nutrients.

Adding a natural sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar is a crucial step to helps to balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the sauce.

Tomato Sauce vs Tomato Puree

You will notice this recipe used both tomato sauce and tomato puree. Basically tomato puree is a thicker, more concentrated form of tomatoes with minimal seasoning, while tomato sauce is a more diluted, seasoned mixture ready for use in various recipes.

Tomato puree is made by cooking tomatoes briefly and then straining them to remove seeds and skins. The resulting product is a smooth, thick liquid. It is thicker than tomato sauce but not as thick as tomato paste. Typically contains only tomatoes and sometimes a bit of salt. It has a concentrated tomato flavor without additional seasonings or herbs.

Tomato puree is often used as a base for soups, stews, and other sauces. Its thick consistency and concentrated flavor make it versatile for various recipes that require a robust tomato presence.

Tomato sauce is made by cooking tomatoes for a longer period, often with added ingredients such as onions, garlic, herbs, and spices. It is then blended to achieve a smooth consistency.  It is thinner than tomato puree due to the addition of other ingredients and sometimes water or broth. Besides tomatoes, it includes seasonings and sometimes additional vegetables. This results in a more complex flavor profile.

Tomato sauce is ready to use and often used directly on pasta, pizza, and in dishes like lasagna or casseroles. It serves as a flavor component in its own right rather than just a base.

In my mother’s kitchen (her given name was “Pasqualina” but changed at the age of 5 to “Kathleen” by her older sister when registering her for school in 1931 as they wouldn’t accept her given name. Later in her life she became known as “Kay”) we always used puree to make Sunday sauce following the recipe below. While I don’t see sugar listed, I remember her adding a heaping tablespoon to it. I have adapted it through the years and the version in this post is what I use today, but my sisters still use Mom’s original version.

Health Benefits

This oil-free, dairy-free marinara sauce is an excellent choice for a healthy diet. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which has been linked to reduced risks of chronic diseases. Garlic and onions offer anti-inflammatory properties and are known to boost the immune system. By omitting oil, the sauce is lower in calories and free from unhealthy fats, making it heart-friendly. Additionally, using a natural sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar helps to avoid refined sugars, maintaining the sauce’s nutritional integrity.

Quick and Convenient

One of the standout features of this marinara sauce is how quickly it can be made. With a prep time of about 10 minutes and a cooking time of 20-30 minutes, you can have a delicious, homemade sauce ready in under an hour. This time is essential for letting the flavors meld together beautifully. Its quick preparation makes it a perfect choice for busy weeknights when you need a nutritious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

I must mention that taking a slower approach and simmering this sauce for an hour or more will further soften the acidity of the tomatoes and allow the herbs to fully infuse the sauce. I’ve been known to let it simmer for two hours or more to truly develop the flavors and let the cooking process work its magic. As the liquid evaporates, the sauce naturally reduces and thickens, enhancing its rich texture and taste.

Classic Italian Tomato Marinara Sauce, in its oil-free and dairy-free form, is a versatile and healthful addition to any vegan and whole food plant-based diet. Its quick preparation, balanced flavor, and nutritional benefits make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to enjoy delicious and wholesome meals.

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Classic Italian Tomato Marinara Sauce (Oil-Free Dairy-Free)

Donna Spencer

The timeless flavors of Italy return with my oil-free and dairy-free Classic Tomato Marinara Sauce. Bursting with the rich essence of vine-ripened tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs, this sauce is a perfect harmony of simplicity and taste. Ideal for pasta, pizza, or dipping crusty bread, it's a deliciously wholesome choice that embraces traditional Italian cuisine without compromising on health or flavor. You won't miss the oil or cheese. This tomato sauce can take center stage or be a supporting role on any dish you are making.

Makes 10 cups or 2.5 quarts.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories

Equipment

• Dutch Oven

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 – 28 ounce can Crushed Tomatoes no salt added
• 1 – 28 ounce can Tomato Sauce no salt added
• 1 – 28 ounce can Tomato Puree no salt added. (see Notes)
• 1 – 5 ounce can Tomato Paste
• 2 tablespoons date paste or agave or to taste
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian Herb seasoning mix or 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano, dried basil and dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon garlic granules or to taste
• 1⅓ teaspoon onion granules
• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper or to taste
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional and to taste

Instructions

 

• In a Dutch oven* or large pot over medium high heat pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato puree** and gently combine. Stir in the tomato paste. Cook just a two or three minutes. (see notes * and **)
• Add the rest of the ingredients and bring it to a low boil, turn down the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring a several times during the simmer. Be sure to not have heat too high or leave unattended as it will burn if not being watched.
• This is best of cooked for 1-2 hours to allow the sauce to reduce and the flavors to concentrate.

Notes

**You can also make this a Classic Italian Tomato Marinara Sauce in a crock pot.  Simply add all the ingredients and set on low for 6-8 hours.

*Finding Tomato Puree can be tricky.  It is worth tracking down as it adds depth of flavor and contributes to the sauce’s thickness.

I spent the first 45 years of my life in upstate/central New York State and Tomato Puree was available the same as tomato sauce in the same familiar 28 ounce cans.  When I move to Houston, TX in 2005 I couldn’t find Tomato Puree in any size.  It literally stopped me in my tracks and I felt like Dorothy.  I wasn’t in Rochester, NY any more.

If you can’t find Tomato Puree in the 28 ounce size, use the closest size you can find. I am now living in Austin, TX and the largest I can find is a 16 ounce glass bottle size on the International Food aisle.

If you can not find any Tomato Puree, purchase a good can of San Marzano tomatoes and blend in high speed blending until smooth. 

Keyword Italian Favorites, Tomato Sauce