Herbed Tomato Sauce
A vibrant and flavorful tomato sauce made without any added salt. Packed with fresh basil, garlic, and oregano, this simple sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for other dishes. A healthy, homemade classic.
For 6 servings
3 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté the aromatics
- b.Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- d.Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Simmer the sauce
- b.Pour in the can of no-salt-added crushed tomatoes.
- c.Stir in the dried oregano, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- d.Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- e.Cover partially and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Finish with fresh basil
- b.Turn off the heat.
- c.Stir in the chopped fresh basil.
- d.Let the sauce sit for a few minutes for the basil flavor to infuse before serving.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend it directly in the pot after simmering.
- 2A pinch of sugar or a grated carrot can be added with the tomatoes to balance their natural acidity.
- 3This sauce freezes beautifully. Store it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- 4Don't skimp on the fresh basil; it adds a bright, fresh flavor that salt-free sauces need.
- 5Letting the sauce simmer longer will result in a thicker, richer flavor. Just be sure to stir it so it doesn't stick.
- 6For a chunkier sauce, use no-salt-added diced tomatoes instead of crushed.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
For extra vegetables, add finely diced carrots and celery with the onion. This also adds natural sweetness and fiber.
quickQuick
Use a high-quality jarred tomato passata instead of crushed tomatoes and simmer for just 10 minutes for a faster version.
high proteinHigh protein
Stir in a cup of cooked red lentils or crumbled cooked ground turkey during the last 10 minutes of simmering to boost the protein content.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lycopene
Cooked tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Heart-Healthy
This sauce is made with no added salt and uses monounsaturated fats from olive oil, making it a great choice for cardiovascular health.
Low in Calories
With no added sugars or excessive fats, this sauce is naturally low in calories, supporting healthy weight management.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this version is very healthy. It's made with no added salt, which is great for blood pressure. It's also packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant from cooked tomatoes, and uses heart-healthy olive oil.