Heart-Healthy Tomato Frito

Transform your meals with our Heart-Healthy Tomato Frito, a wholesome spin on the classic tomato sauce that's packed with flavor and nutrients. This recipe begins with a base of sautéed onions, celery, and grated carrots, creating a naturally sweet and savory foundation without the added salt. Unsalted crushed tomatoes and a touch of low-sodium tomato paste form the heart of the sauce, complemented by dried oregano, basil, and freshly ground black pepper for a robust Italian-inspired taste. Simmered to perfection, it’s finished with fresh parsley for a pop of freshness and color. Ready in under an hour, this versatile sauce is perfect for pasta, stews, or as a dipping companion to whole-grain bread. Whether you're embracing a heart-healthy lifestyle or just looking for a clean, delicious sauce recipe, this Tomato Frito will become a new favorite at your table!

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 small carrot, grated
• 1 medium celery stalk, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces crushed canned tomatoes, unsalted
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste, low-sodium
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 0.5 cup water
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the finely chopped onion, grated carrot, and chopped celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, taking care not to let it burn.

Step 4

Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, low-sodium tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, freshly ground black pepper, and water.

Step 5

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir well. Let the sauce cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6

After 30 minutes, the sauce should have thickened slightly and the flavors will have melded together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, remembering that a heart-healthy recipe avoids adding unnecessary salt.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh chopped parsley for a burst of flavor and color.

Step 8

Serve warm as a sauce for pasta, a base for stews, or a dipping sauce for whole-grain bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1251.7 grams (1251.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	542

Total Fat 30.00g	38%
Saturated Fat 4.80g	24%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 205mg	9%
Total Carbohydrate 62.50g	23%
Dietary Fiber 14.20g	51%
Total Sugars 32.90g
Protein 11.40g	23%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 293mg	23%
Iron 7mg	36%
Potassium 2264mg	48%

*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: 47.7%

Protein: 8.1%

Carbs: 44.2%