Marinara Sauce(On The Healthy Side)
A hearty, flavorful marinara sauce featuring tender vegetables and a balance of herbs and spices, perfect for serving over pasta and suitable for a healthy meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 3-quart saucepan, cook onion, carrots, and garlic in hot oil until tender, but not brown.
- Add undrained tomatoes, sugar, salt, oregano, pepper, and red pepper.
- Bring to boiling.
- Reduce heat.
- Simmer, uncovered, for 45 to 60 minutes.
- Serve over spaghetti, linguine, or other pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while simmering. Fresh basil can be used instead of dried oregano for a fresh twist. If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer longer or blend part of it for a smoother texture. You can also substitute olive oil for cooking oil for added depth. This marinara sauce is versatile and works great with various Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this marinara sauce over your choice of pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, for a classic meal. It also pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a fresh side salad. For a heartier dish, consider serving it alongside Italian Beef Stew or using it as a base for Pasta Fagioli (Vegetarian). Don't forget to garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the marinara sauce to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Warm it on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marinara Sauce(On The Healthy Side) contains roughly 120 calories, with 4g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (294% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! You'll need about 3-4 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Blanch them to remove the skins, then chop and add them to the pan. Fresh tomatoes may require a longer cooking time to achieve the desired consistency.
Is this marinara sauce vegan-friendly?
Absolutely! This marinara sauce recipe is entirely plant-based, making it suitable for vegan diets. Enjoy it with any of your favorite vegan pasta options or use it as a sauce for vegetable dishes.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You could also incorporate finely diced jalapeños or other hot peppers during the cooking process for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).