Herb-Infused Fat-Free Tomato Sauce
This delightful Herb-Infused Fat-Free Tomato Sauce is the perfect blend of fresh vegetables and herbs, making it a healthy choice for pasta dishes, pizza, or as a base for your favorite recipes. Made with Italian tomatoes and a medley of aromatic veggies like celery, carrot, and onion, this sauce bursts with flavor while being completely fat-free. It's easy to make and can be stored in the freezer, ensuring you always have a homemade touch at your fingertips for any meal. Share this fantastic recipe and enjoy guilt-free indulgence with every serving.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian tomatoes
800 g (canned)
celery
1 stalk (sliced)
carrot
1 large (diced)
onion
1 large (diced)
fresh Italian parsley
1 cup (loosely packed)
fresh basil
1 cup (loosely packed)
sugar
1/2 teaspoon (to balance acidity)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the canned Italian tomatoes, sliced celery, diced carrot, diced onion, chopped parsley, and basil.
2
Cover the pot and cook on low heat for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and released their flavors, creating a pulpy consistency.
3
Once the sauce has cooked, remove it from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
4
Pour the mixture into a food processor and whizz until it reaches your desired consistency, whether smooth or chunky.
5
Return the blended sauce to a pan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring regularly, to further thicken the sauce to your liking.
6
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a touch of sugar to balance the acidity if needed.
7
Let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers for storing. This sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it a convenient addition to your meal planning.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herb-Infused Fat-Free Tomato Sauce?
It is a healthy, homemade tomato sauce made with Italian tomatoes, fresh herbs, and aromatic vegetables like celery, carrots, and onions, containing no added fats.
Is this tomato sauce recipe fat-free?
Yes, this recipe is completely fat-free as it contains no oil, butter, or other added fats.
How many servings does this recipe produce?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
What are the main ingredients for this sauce?
The primary ingredients are canned Italian tomatoes, celery, carrot, onion, fresh parsley, and fresh basil.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones?
While the recipe specifies canned Italian tomatoes for consistency and flavor, you can substitute with fresh, ripe tomatoes if preferred.
What herbs are used for the infusion?
The sauce is infused with one cup of loosely packed fresh Italian parsley and one cup of fresh basil.
How do I prepare the vegetables?
The celery should be sliced, while the carrot and onion should be diced before cooking.
How long should the sauce simmer initially?
The sauce should be covered and cooked on low heat for 30 to 45 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
What should the consistency of the vegetables be after the first simmer?
The vegetables should be soft and have released their flavors, creating a pulpy consistency.
Do I need to blend the sauce?
Yes, after the initial cooking and cooling, the mixture should be poured into a food processor and whizzed until it reaches your desired consistency.
Should the sauce be smooth or chunky?
The consistency is up to your preference; you can process it until completely smooth or leave it slightly chunky.
What is the purpose of the second boiling stage?
Returning the blended sauce to a pan and boiling for 10-15 minutes helps to thicken the sauce further to your liking.
Why is sugar included in the recipe?
A touch of sugar (about 1/2 teaspoon) is used to balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes.
How do I season the sauce?
You should taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to suit your preference.
Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is 100% vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
Can I freeze this tomato sauce?
Yes, this sauce is freezer-friendly and can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How should I store the sauce if not using it immediately?
Let the sauce cool completely and then transfer it to airtight containers before placing it in the refrigerator or freezer.
What dishes can I use this sauce for?
It is perfect for pasta dishes, as a pizza base, or as a flavorful foundation for various other recipes.
Is this sauce considered low-calorie?
Yes, because it is made of vegetables and contains no added fats, it is a low-calorie option for meal planning.
Can I add other spices to this sauce?
While the recipe focuses on parsley and basil, you can certainly experiment with other Italian herbs like oregano or red pepper flakes for heat.
Do I need to peel the carrots and celery?
It is generally recommended to peel the carrot before dicing, and the celery should be cleaned and sliced.
How often should I stir the sauce?
You should stir the sauce occasionally during the first simmer and regularly during the final thickening stage to prevent sticking.
Can I make this sauce without a food processor?
Yes, you can use a blender or a potato masher for a more rustic, chunky texture if you don't have a food processor.
What makes this sauce 'Italian'?
The use of Italian tomatoes, fresh basil, and parsley, combined with the traditional vegetable base, gives it an authentic Italian flavor profile.
Is it necessary to cool the sauce before blending?
Yes, it is safer to allow the sauce to cool slightly before putting it into a food processor to avoid steam buildup and potential burns.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely, you can double the ingredients to make a larger batch for meal prep or freezing.
What type of containers are best for freezing?
Airtight, freezer-safe plastic containers or silicone freezer bags are ideal for storing this sauce.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
The recipe calls for salt 'to taste' to ensure the seasoning is perfect for your palate.
How long does it take to prepare and cook in total?
The total cooking time is roughly 40 to 60 minutes, plus preparation and cooling time.
Can I use this as a dipping sauce?
Yes, when blended smooth, it makes an excellent fat-free dipping sauce for breadsticks or vegetables.