Would you like to add tomato sauce as a healthy option to your daily meals? Tomato sauce is a staple ingredient used in preparing many delicious dishes around the world. It also offers a wide range of health and nutritional benefits that enhance the body’s overall health and support its various functions. Here’s an easy homemade tomato sauce recipe you can try as a nutritional treasure.
Benefits of tomato sauce recipe
Here are the main benefits of tomato sauce recipe:
- Contains lycopene, one of the most powerful natural antioxidants, which helps reduce the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer, especially prostate cancer.
- Rich in vitamin K and calcium, which contribute to strengthening bones and maintaining their density, while also reducing the risk of osteoporosis as you age.
- Packed with potassium, which helps lower blood pressure and maintain vascular health.
- Contains tyramine, which plays a role in improving mood and boosting energy levels.
- Rich in fiber, which aids digestion, promotes bowel movement, and helps prevent constipation and improve colon health when consumed regularly.
How to make use of fresh tomatoes?
Here are the best ways to make use of fresh tomatoes:
- Use fresh tomatoes to prepare a natural sauce free from preservatives. You can enjoy it with pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce. For storage, refrigerate or freeze it for later use.
- If you have a large quantity of fresh tomatoes, you can dry them in the oven or under the sun to get dried tomatoes, which can be used later in recipes. Alternatively, slice and freeze them for cooking later.
- Tomato soup is a warm and nutritious option. Cook fresh tomatoes with onion, garlic, and a bit of cream or coconut milk for a rich-flavored soup.
- Slice or dice tomatoes and add them to vegetable salads, tabbouleh, or fattoush salads.
- Add tomato slices to beef burgers, vegetarian sandwiches, or chicken wraps.
- Blend fresh tomatoes with a bit of salt and pepper or add herbs like celery to create a healthy and refreshing tomato juice with a distinctive flavor.
- Use fresh tomatoes in breakfast recipes, such as making a vegetable omelet or grilling them with eggs for a tasty morning dish.
- Mash them and mix with avocado to prepare guacamole or combine with pepper and onion for Mexican salsa.
- Hollow fresh tomatoes and use them as containers to fill with ingredients like rice, minced meat, or vegetables. Bake them for a healthy and distinctive meal.
- Use tomatoes in skincare recipes, as they contain soothing properties that help reduce inflammation and cleanse the skin.
Tips for making delicious tomato sauce recipe
For a delicious and distinctive tomato sauce recipe, here are some tips that can make the flavor irresistible:
- Choose fresh tomatoes with a bright red color and fully ripened for a rich and natural flavor. You can also use high-quality canned tomatoes, ensuring they are free from artificial additives.
- Add fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or parsley at the end of cooking to give the sauce a fresh flavor and aromatic scent. You can also add a few bay leaves during cooking for a unique touch.
- Use a hand blender to mix the ingredients after cooking for a smooth sauce. If you prefer a chunky texture, leave it as is with visible tomato pieces.
- Adding one or two tablespoons of tomato paste enhances the sauce’s consistency and deepens its color and flavor. Be sure to cook the paste for a minute or two with the onion and garlic before adding the tomatoes.
- You can also add a bit of cream or milk to make the sauce creamy and smooth.
- To reduce acidity, add a bit of sugar during cooking. You can also add grated carrots to sweeten the sauce naturally.
- Slow cooking allows the tomatoes and spices to blend and release the best flavors. Let it simmer over low heat for a long time to achieve a concentrated and flavorful sauce.
- Spices are the secret to flavor. Use thyme, basil, black pepper, and paprika to enhance the sauce’s taste. Add a bit of chili powder or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Experiment with additional ingredients like roasted red peppers or chopped olives to give the sauce a unique flavor.
- Sauté finely chopped onion and garlic in olive oil until golden before adding the tomatoes. This adds depth to the flavor and makes the sauce richer.
Tomato sauce recipe
Healthy tomato sauce is an ideal option to add a delicious and nutritious flavor to many dishes. It is easy to prepare, ensuring you enjoy a meal that is both tasty and healthy. This tomato sauce recipe is rich in nutrients, free from preservatives, and suitable for those following a healthy lifestyle. Try it today and enjoy its delightful taste.
Ingredients
- 6 fresh tomatoes
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tsp tomato paste
Instructions
- Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and chop them into small cubes. Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion to the hot oil and sauté until it becomes translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. Then Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and stir well. Then add salt, black pepper, sugar, thyme, and basil. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add tomato paste. After that, Add ½ cup of water and stir. Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer on low heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the tomatoes are cooked and the ingredients are blended, leave the sauce as is for a chunky texture or use a hand blender for a smooth texture.
Notes
