Heart-Healthy Tomatensauce

Craft a deeply nourishing meal with this **Heart-Healthy Tomatensauce**, a vibrant homemade tomato sauce packed with fiber-rich vegetables and aromatic herbs. Made with heart-friendly ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, fresh tomatoes, and low-sodium vegetable broth, this recipe is a delicious way to support better cardiovascular health without sacrificing flavor. The natural sweetness of grated carrots and celery pairs perfectly with the robust flavors of oregano, basil, and garlic, while a pinch of optional red pepper flakes adds a gentle kick. Ready in under an hour, this versatile sauce can be served over whole-grain pasta, spiralized zucchini, or even as a base for healthy homemade pizza. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it a convenient, nutritious option for busy weeknights. Perfect for anyone prioritizing wellness and full-bodied taste, this recipe is a must-try for your collection of wholesome meals.

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium Carrot, finely grated
• 1 Celery stalk, finely chopped
• 6 large Fresh tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 0.5 cup Low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 0 Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Step 1

Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic, grated carrot, and chopped celery to the pan, stirring frequently for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 4

Stir in the chopped fresh tomatoes, ensuring they are well combined with the vegetable mixture.

Step 5

Pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 6

Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan partially with a lid, and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 8

Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the sauce directly in the pan until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the sauce to a blender in batches, then return it to the pan.

Step 9

Taste the sauce and season with freshly ground black pepper as desired. Adjust seasoning to your preference, keeping it low-sodium by avoiding additional salt.

Step 10

Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes before removing from heat.

Step 11

Serve immediately with whole-grain pasta, zucchini noodles, or use as a pizza base. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	530.9 grams (530.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	372

Total Fat 28.90g	37%
Saturated Fat 4.20g	21%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 201mg	9%
Total Carbohydrate 29.30g	11%
Dietary Fiber 7.70g	28%
Total Sugars 12.10g
Protein 4.50g	9%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 159mg	12%
Iron 2mg	13%
Potassium 1070mg	23%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 65.8%

Protein: 4.6%

Carbs: 29.6%