Savory Zero-Point Vegetable Spaghetti Sauce
This hearty and flavorful homemade spaghetti sauce is a delightful blend of fresh vegetables simmered to perfection. Originating from a cherished Weight Watchers recipe from 2002, the sauce has been customized to enhance flavor and satisfy all palates. It's entirely vegetable-based, making it a guilt-free accompaniment to your favorite pasta. With no points to count and packed with nutrients, this sauce serves perfectly over pasta but also stands alone as a delicious addition to various dishes. Enjoy the rich, tomato-infused goodness with a hint of spice that even non-dieters will love. For a little extra protein, consider mixing in turkey Italian sausage for a satisfying, fulfilling meal.
4
Servings
60
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 medium (diced)
bell pepper
1 (diced)
garlic cloves
8 (minced (adjust to taste))
diced tomatoes
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans (with juice)
tomato paste
1 (6 ounce) can (none)
water
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (drained from tomato can)
cooking spray
to taste (for sautéing)
Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
sugar
1 teaspoon (or 1-2 packets of Splenda substitute)
red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (none)
dried basil
1/2 teaspoon (none)
dried parsley
1/4 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat cooking spray over medium heat.
2
Add the diced onion and bell pepper; sauté for approximately 5 minutes or until softened.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, and the water from the tomato can.
5
Add in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, sugar or Splenda, red pepper flakes, dried basil, and dried parsley. Stir the mixture well to combine.
6
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7
For added flavor and protein, slice two cooked turkey Italian sausage links and stir them into the sauce during the last five minutes of simmering.
8
Serve the sauce over pasta or your favorite dish.
Nutrition Information
1.5
Fat
11
Carbs
3
Protein
4.5
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Zero-Point Vegetable Spaghetti Sauce?
It is a hearty and flavorful vegetable-based homemade spaghetti sauce that originates from a 2002 Weight Watchers recipe.
How many Weight Watchers points are in this sauce?
This sauce is designated as a zero-point recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, the sauce is entirely vegetable-based and vegan-friendly.
Can I add meat to this sauce?
Yes, you can mix in cooked turkey Italian sausage links for extra protein and flavor.
What are the primary vegetable ingredients?
The sauce features onions, bell peppers, garlic, and diced tomatoes.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 minced garlic cloves, though this can be adjusted to taste.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 60 calories.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 1.5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 11 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in this sauce?
The sauce provides 3 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fiber content per serving?
This sauce is high in fiber, providing 4.5 grams per serving.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe requires two 14.5-ounce cans of diced tomatoes used with their juice.
Do I need to add water to the sauce?
Yes, you add one 14.5-ounce can of water (measured using the empty tomato can).
How much tomato paste is required?
One 6-ounce can of tomato paste is used to thicken the sauce.
Is there any sweetener in the recipe?
You can use either 1 teaspoon of sugar or 1-2 packets of Splenda substitute.
Is this sauce spicy?
It has a hint of spice from 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
What dried herbs are used?
The recipe uses Italian seasoning, dried basil, and dried parsley.
How much dried parsley is included?
The recipe uses a 1/4 cup of dried parsley.
How should the onions and peppers be prepared?
Both the medium onion and the bell pepper should be diced.
How long do I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the onion and bell pepper for approximately 5 minutes until softened.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the garlic after the onions and peppers have softened and cook for one additional minute.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes.
What is the purpose of cooking it uncovered?
Simmering uncovered allows the sauce to thicken and flavors to concentrate.
What type of pot should I use?
A large pot is recommended to accommodate all the vegetables and liquid.
Should I use oil for sautéing?
To keep it zero points, the recipe uses cooking spray instead of oil.
When do I add the turkey sausage if I use it?
Stir in cooked, sliced turkey Italian sausage during the last five minutes of simmering.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
What is the heat setting for cooking?
The sauce is cooked over medium heat.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy and quick meal to prepare.