Marinara sauce is a popular tomato-based sauce commonly used in Italian cuisine. It gets its name from the coastal city of Naples, where it was originally made with freshly picked local ingredients such as ripe San Marzano tomatoes and basil. The term "marinara" refers to a type of fishing boat that once transported these ingredients along the Mediterranean coast. Today, marinara sauce is enjoyed all over the world and can be found in many different variations, but it remains true to its traditional Neapolitan roots with simple, fresh ingredients that create a rich, flavorful sauce.