Meatless Spaghetti Sauce With Fresh Tomatoes
Spaghetti is a classic dish that everyone loves. However, the traditional spaghetti sauce usually contains meat, making it unhealthy for those who are trying to cut down on their meat intake. Fortunately, you can still enjoy this delicious pasta dish without meat by making your own meatless spaghetti sauce with fresh tomatoes.
The Benefits of Meatless Spaghetti Sauce
Meatless spaghetti sauce is a healthier alternative to traditional spaghetti sauce. It is lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, making it a great option for those who are trying to lose weight or reduce their risk of heart disease. Meatless spaghetti sauce is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help boost your immune system and improve your overall health.
Making your own meatless spaghetti sauce is easy and affordable. You can use fresh tomatoes, which are in season during the summer months, or canned tomatoes, which are available year-round. Fresh tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and folate, while canned tomatoes are a good source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of cancer and heart disease.
How to Make Meatless Spaghetti Sauce With Fresh Tomatoes
To make meatless spaghetti sauce with fresh tomatoes, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of ripe tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to make the sauce:
- Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for about 1 minute, then remove and place them in a bowl of ice water. This will make it easier to remove the skins.
- Peel the skins off the tomatoes, then chop them into small pieces.
- Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the saucepan and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the saucepan and stir well.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Puree the sauce in a blender or food processor until it is smooth and creamy.
- Return the sauce to the saucepan and heat it over low heat until it is hot.
- Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti noodles and enjoy!
You can also add other vegetables to your meatless spaghetti sauce, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini, to make it even more nutritious and flavorful.
Conclusion
Meatless spaghetti sauce with fresh tomatoes is a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional spaghetti sauce. It is easy to make, affordable, and packed with nutrients that can help improve your health. Give it a try and see how it can transform your favorite pasta dish into a nutritious and satisfying meal.
