Heart-Healthy Homemade Tomato Sauce

Elevate your meals with this Heart-Healthy Homemade Tomato Sauce, a wholesome twist on a classic favorite. Bursting with the natural sweetness of sautéed fresh tomatoes, carrots, and celery, this recipe features an aromatic blend of garlic, onions, and dried herbs like basil and oregano for a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and invigorating. Enriched with extra virgin olive oil and a splash of tangy red wine vinegar, this sauce is simmered to perfection, then blended into a silky texture for a versatile, low-sodium option that complements pasta, pizza, or roasted veggies. With its simple prep, vibrant nutrients, and heart-conscious ingredients, this tomato sauce is a must-try for anyone seeking a delicious and healthful home-cooked meal. Perfectly suited for meal prep, it stores beautifully, keeping your weeknight dinners stress-free and flavor-packed!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 10 medium fresh tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 large garlic cloves
• 1 large yellow onion
• 1 medium carrot
• 1 medium celery stalk
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 cup water

Directions

Step 1

Begin by washing all fresh produce thoroughly. Dice the tomatoes, peel and mince the garlic cloves, and dice the onion, carrot, and celery stalk.

Step 2

In a large saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it's fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 3

Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

Step 5

Pour in the water and add the red wine vinegar. Stir to combine all ingredients.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 7

After 30 minutes, remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce to a smooth consistency. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the sauce to a blender, blend, and return it to the pan.

Step 8

Continue to let the sauce simmer for another 5-10 minutes to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 9

Once done, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley.

Step 10

Let the sauce cool slightly before serving. It can be served immediately over your favorite dish or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1807.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	599.0

Total Fat 30.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1332.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 79.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.1g	0%
Total Sugars 41.1g
Protein 15.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 283.9mg	0%
Iron 5.5mg	0%
Potassium 3621.1mg	0%

*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: 42.1%

Protein: 9.5%

Carbs: 48.3%