This month’s recipe is good for your heart, fast to make and so versatile. Heart healthy foods included in this recipe are fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, which add benefits such as fiber, vitamins and minerals. This homemade sauce is also low in sodium which can promote a thriving cardiovascular system. You can use this sauce traditionally for pasta and pizza, but you can also be creative and pour it over a baked potato or use it as a dip for fresh chopped vegetable sticks.
INGREDIENTS
1/2 sweet onion, small diced
2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 28 ounce cans “no salt added” petite diced tomatoes (or crushed if you want smooth sauce)
1 15 ounce can “no salt added” tomato sauce
2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 Tablespoons dried basil or 4 Tablespoons fresh chopped basil
2 pinches of sugar
1 teaspoon salt*
DIRECTIONS
You will need a large stockpot with a lid. Start by heating olive oil over medium heat and add onions. Cook for 5 minutes until onions start to brown. While the onions are cooking, open all the cans of tomatoes. As soon as the onions start to brown, add the garlic, and watch the pot carefully, the garlic can burn quickly. When you see the garlic turning golden brown, pour in all the canned tomato products. Add the vinegar, basil, and pinches of sugar. Bring to a simmer, but watch out; that simmering tomato sauce is hot. Have your lid ready to shield yourself! Simmer sauce on low for at least 20 minutes. Add 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of salt to taste.
*At least ½ the salt of leading store bought marinara brands.
This recipe is suited for older children who have already learned basic knife use, stovetop cooking techniques and kitchen safety. Ages 12+
