Mediterranean Diet Napolitana Sauce

Indulge in the wholesome flavors of the Mediterranean with this easy yet flavorful Mediterranean Diet Napolitana Sauce. Made with heart-healthy olive oil, vibrant crushed tomatoes, and aromatic herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley, this homemade sauce elevates any dish it graces. The addition of finely chopped red bell pepper adds a subtle sweetness, while garlic and onion build a robust foundation of flavor. Simmered to perfection with a hint of tomato paste and a fragrant bay leaf, this sauce strikes the perfect balance of zest and depth. Ready in under an hour, it’s a versatile choice for pairing with your favorite pasta, as a pizza base, or even as a dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh basil for a beautiful finishing touch, and enjoy a taste of Italy tailored to the Mediterranean diet. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping, this Napolitana sauce is a must-try for lovers of classic, healthy recipes.

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, for garnish

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing well.

Step 5

Add the finely chopped red bell pepper to the mixture.

Step 6

Sprinkle in the dried oregano and dried basil, stirring to combine.

Step 7

Add the bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to the sauce.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the sauce simmer for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf and stir in the chopped fresh parsley.

Step 10

Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper to taste, if necessary.

Step 11

Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil, over your choice of pasta or as a topping for other dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1194.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	582.6

Total Fat 30.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1285.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 72.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.7g	0%
Total Sugars 40.4g
Protein 12.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 257.0mg	0%
Iron 8.7mg	0%
Potassium 2698.9mg	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: 44.8%

Protein: 8.2%

Carbs: 47.0%