Heart-Healthy Low-Sugar Marinara Sauce
Enjoy a wholesome and flavorful twist on traditional spaghetti sauce with this Heart-Healthy Low-Sugar Marinara Sauce. Prepared with fresh garlic and a blend of aromatic herbs, this sauce is perfect for those who want to cut down on sugar without sacrificing taste. The combination of crushed tomatoes and no-sugar-added tomato paste creates a rich base that's enhanced by the savory flavors of oregano, rosemary, and basil. Whether you pour it over your favorite pasta or use it as a dipping sauce for appetizers, this versatile sauce is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic cloves
3 (crushed and minced)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (pure virgin)
crushed tomatoes
2 cans (16 ounces each) (canned)
water
30 ounces
no-sugar-added tomato paste
3 ounces (canned)
oregano
2 tablespoons
ground rosemary
1 teaspoon
ground basil
1/2 teaspoon
ground sage
1/2 teaspoon
crushed red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons (optional)
salt
to taste
artificial sweetener (e.g., Splenda, Altern)
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
2
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, water, and no-sugar-added tomato paste, mixing well to combine all the ingredients.
3
Add the oregano, ground rosemary, ground basil, ground sage, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt to taste.
4
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the sauce to cook uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens and the flavors meld together.
5
For a thicker sauce, consider reducing the water to 20 ounces and simmering longer, or chill to use as a marinara dipping sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heart-Healthy Low-Sugar Marinara Sauce?
This sauce is a wholesome and flavorful version of traditional spaghetti sauce made with fresh garlic and aromatic herbs, specifically designed to be low in sugar.
How many garlic cloves are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 garlic cloves, which should be crushed and minced.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of pure virgin olive oil.
How many cans of crushed tomatoes are needed?
You will need 2 cans of crushed tomatoes, with each can being 16 ounces.
How much water is added to the sauce?
The recipe specifies adding 30 ounces of water.
What kind of tomato paste should I use?
You should use 3 ounces of no-sugar-added canned tomato paste.
How much oregano is in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of oregano.
Does the recipe use rosemary?
Yes, it uses 1 teaspoon of ground rosemary.
What is the amount of ground basil used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground basil.
Is ground sage included in this marinara?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of ground sage.
Are red pepper flakes mandatory for this sauce?
No, the 2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes are listed as an optional ingredient.
How much artificial sweetener is added?
The recipe includes 1 tablespoon of artificial sweetener, such as Splenda or Altern.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is to heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the minced garlic for about 1-2 minutes until it is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
When do I add the crushed tomatoes and paste?
After the garlic is fragrant, stir in the crushed tomatoes, water, and tomato paste.
At what point are the herbs added?
The oregano, rosemary, basil, sage, red pepper flakes, and salt are added after the tomato base and water have been mixed.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer for 30 to 35 minutes.
Should the sauce be covered while simmering?
No, the instructions state to allow the sauce to cook uncovered.
How do I know when the sauce is done?
It is ready when it has thickened and the flavors have melded together, usually after 30-35 minutes.
How can I make a thicker marinara sauce?
To achieve a thicker consistency, reduce the water to 20 ounces and simmer the sauce for a longer period.
Can this recipe be used as a dipping sauce?
Yes, you can chill the sauce to use it as a marinara dipping sauce for appetizers.
Is this sauce suitable for a low-sugar diet?
Yes, it uses no-sugar-added tomato paste and an artificial sweetener to keep sugar levels low.
What heat setting should be used for simmering?
After bringing the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low.
What can I serve this marinara sauce with?
It is perfect for pouring over your favorite pasta or using as a dipping sauce.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total, including the optional red pepper flakes.
What is the preparation method for the garlic?
The garlic should be crushed and then minced before cooking.
Can I add salt to this recipe?
Yes, salt should be added to taste.
Is this sauce considered heart-healthy?
Yes, the recipe is titled Heart-Healthy and focuses on low sugar and wholesome ingredients.
What brand of artificial sweetener is suggested?
The recipe suggests examples like Splenda or Altern.
Why is the sauce cooked uncovered?
Cooking uncovered allows the sauce to reduce and thicken as the moisture evaporates.