Heart-Healthy Classic Pomodoro Sauce
Discover the ultimate recipe for a "Heart-Healthy Classic Pomodoro Sauce"—a wholesome twist on the beloved Italian classic. Made with fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a touch of extra virgin olive oil, this nutritious sauce champions vibrant flavors and simplicity. Unlike traditional versions, it uses unsalted vegetable broth to keep sodium levels in check, making it perfect for those prioritizing heart health. The slow simmering process allows the natural sweetness of fresh tomatoes and onions to shine, while optional red pepper flakes add a subtle hint of spice. Ready in just an hour, this versatile sauce can be puréed to velvety smoothness or left rustic and chunky, ideal for pairing with whole-grain pasta, grilled vegetables, or lean proteins. Perfect for the health-conscious cook, this recipe delivers a guilt-free way to savor Italian comfort food while nourishing your body.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup Fresh basil leaves, torn
- 8 cups Fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- 0.5 cup Unsalted vegetable broth
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
- 0.125 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large saucepan.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent, stirring occasionally.
Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the torn basil leaves and allow them to wilt partially.
Add the peeled and chopped tomatoes to the saucepan.
Pour in the vegetable broth, stirring to combine all ingredients.
Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Once simmering, reduce heat to low and cover the saucepan, letting the sauce cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
After cooking, use an immersion blender to purée the sauce to a smooth consistency (or leave chunky if preferred).
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve over your favorite whole-grain pasta, or as a topping for grilled vegetables or lean proteins.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
671 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.0 g | 41% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.0 g | 20% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1290 mg | 56% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 91.4 g | 33% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.5 g | 98% | |
| Total Sugars | 54.8 g | ||
| Protein | 21.4 g | 43% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 429 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 11.1 mg | 62% | |
| Potassium | 4980 mg | 106% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
