Heart-Healthy Homemade Tomato Sauce
Elevate your favorite meals with this **Heart-Healthy Homemade Tomato Sauce**, a low-sodium and nutrient-packed twist on the classic recipe. Bursting with the natural sweetness of fresh tomatoes, alongside aromatic garlic, onion, and a medley of herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley, this sauce is both flavorful and nourishing. A splash of red wine vinegar adds a tangy brightness, while ingredients like diced carrots and celery provide an extra layer of depth and nutrition. Simmered to perfection and blended to a velvety consistency, this tomato sauce is free of preservatives and can be enjoyed guilt-free over whole-grain pasta, roasted vegetables, or lean protein. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a healthy dose of heart-smart extra virgin olive oil, this homemade sauce proves that healthy eating can be both easy and delicious.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 10 medium fresh tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 large garlic cloves
- 1 large yellow onion
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 medium celery stalk
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
Begin by washing all fresh produce thoroughly. Dice the tomatoes, peel and mince the garlic cloves, and dice the onion, carrot, and celery stalk.
In a large saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it's fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Pour in the water and add the red wine vinegar. Stir to combine all ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
After 30 minutes, remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce to a smooth consistency. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the sauce to a blender, blend, and return it to the pan.
Continue to let the sauce simmer for another 5-10 minutes to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Once done, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
Let the sauce cool slightly before serving. It can be served immediately over your favorite dish or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
599 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.6 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.4 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1332 mg | 58% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 79.0 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.1 g | 79% | |
| Total Sugars | 41.1 g | ||
| Protein | 15.6 g | 31% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 284 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 5.5 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 3621 mg | 77% | |
*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.
