Skip to main content

Sunday Stash Marinara Sauce

This classic Sunday stash marinara sauce is the ultimate plant-based staple for any home cook. By slowly simmering sweet onions, garlic, and high-quality tinned tomatoes in plenty of extra-virgin olive oil, you create a rich, velvety base that far surpasses any shop-bought alternative. The gentle cooking process coaxes out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, while a touch of oregano provides a traditional herbaceous finish.

As a versatile vegan recipe, this sauce is perfect for batch cooking. Use it immediately tossed through silk ribbons of pasta, or keep a stash in the freezer for quick midweek meals and homemade pizza nights. It is a nutritious, heart-healthy addition to your kitchen repertoire that ensures a delicious, homemade dinner is never more than a few minutes away.

Video picks

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Sunday Stash Marinara Sauce

  • 120ml extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 Vidalia or other sweet onions, peeled, very coarsely chopped

  • 6 garlic cloves, peeled

  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano

  • 4 (800g) cans whole peeled tomatoes

  • 4 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, plus more

Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium. Cook onion and garlic, stirring occasionally and being careful not to let brown, until aromatic, about 3 minutes. Add oregano and stir to combine. Using your hands, crush tomatoes and add to pot along with juices; season with 4 teaspoons salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until sauce is reduced slightly, about 1 hour. Remove from heat and blend with an immersion blender until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Do Ahead: Sauce can be made 5 days ahead. Store in an airtight container and chill, or freeze up to 6 months.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

About the authorView full bio

Author image

UK recipe editors

About the reviewerView full bio

Author image

UK recipe editors

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.