Discover the wholesome charm of our Heart-Healthy Traditional Italian Sugo, a flavorful and nutritious twist on a classic pasta sauce. Bursting with the natural sweetness of finely grated carrots and the robust flavor of no-salt-added crushed tomatoes, this recipe is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients. Aromatics like garlic, onion, and celery create a deep, savory base, while fresh basil and a hint of crushed red pepper add layers of vibrant taste. Simmered to perfection with low-sodium vegetable broth for a silky texture, this heart-healthy sugo is low in sodium yet rich in flavor. Perfect for pairing with whole-grain or legume-based pasta, this quick and easy sauce is ready in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Elevate your Italian cooking with this nutritious, crowd-pleasing recipe thatβs as good for your heart as it is for your taste buds!
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic, grated carrot, and chopped celery, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until aromatic and slightly softened.
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and low-sodium vegetable broth to the pan, stirring to combine.
Season with dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and ground black pepper. Stir well.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves for a burst of fresh flavor.
Remove from heat and taste the sauce, adjusting seasoning as needed.
Serve immediately over your favorite whole-grain or legume-based pasta, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Calories |
574 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.9 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.1 g | 20% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 354 mg | 15% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 76.7 g | 28% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.1 g | 72% | |
| Total Sugars | 42.2 g | ||
| Protein | 14.4 g | 29% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 259 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 6.0 mg | 33% | |
| Potassium | 2942 mg | 63% | |
*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.