Ever wondered what lurks within the ingredients of your typical store-bought tomato sauce? Brace yourself: sugar, sugar, and more sugar!
It’s a symphony for the taste buds, sure, but not exactly the healthiest ensemble for your body. But fear not, for I bring forth a revelation: a healthier alternative.
I present to you a naturally sweetened, wholefood, tangy tomato sauce, crafted with simplicity and speed, ready to charm your entire family.
And here’s an added perk: by whipping up this concoction, you’ll be slashing your contribution to single-use plastic waste, commonly found in those tomato sugar-syrup bottles.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use fresh garlic and onion instead of powders? Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with fresh garlic and onion for an extra kick of flavor.
- Are there any alternatives to pitted dates? Indeed, you can swap dates with other natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, adjusting quantities to taste.
Tips for the best tomato sauce:
- Adjust Sweetness: Control the sweetness by varying the number of dates or experimenting with alternative sweeteners.
- Texture Matters: For a smoother sauce, peel the tomatoes before blending. If you prefer a chunkier texture, leave the skins on.
- Storage Savvy: Extend the sauce’s shelf life by freezing it in ice cube trays for easy portioning, or canning it for long-term preservation.
Without further ado, let’s dive into crafting your own Healthy Sugar-Free Tomato Sauce!
Healthy Sugar-Free Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
- 500 g ripe tomatoes (cored and chopped)
- 30 ml apple cider vinegar
- 20 ml Dijon mustard
- 5 g garlic powder
- 2.5 g onion powder
- 4-6 pitted dates (soaked in hot water for 10 minutes, then drained)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, puree chopped tomatoes, soaked dates, vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
- Transfer the pureed mixture to a saucepan and place over medium heat.
- Bring to a simmer and then reduce heat to low, let simmer until the sauce has thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
