February is heart month and to kick it off, I am posting my recipe for “Hearty Tomato Sauce”. It is loaded with antioxidants that help to prevent free radical damage in our bodies. This can protect against chronic illness, including but not limited to, heart disease. I have given suggestions for addition of healthy protein options if desired, as well as ideas for ways to use this sauce. Hope you enjoy and happy heart month!
Hearty Tomato Sauce
Ingredients:
2 (28 oz) cans of diced tomatoes depending how thin or thick you want your final product to be
1 can tomato paste,
½ cup sundried tomatoes
½ cup chopped roasted red peppers
1 cup red onion, chopped
2 cups chopped peppers (red, orange, yellow, and/or green)
1-2 cups sliced mushrooms (I like to use baby portabella)
3 cloves garlic minced (or more if you like garlic)
1-2 Tbsp each dried oregano, basil, and parsley (add more if you desire more spice)
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients together in a large pot and place on stove with a medium high heat. Bring liquid to a boil, then turn back to medium-low and cook for 1-3 hours stirring every 15-30 minutes.
- For a chunky sauce, leave as it. For a smooth sauce, blend in a blender or food processor.
Protein ideas:
- Cook up ground chicken or turkey and add it into the sauce.
- Add in white or black beans and leave whole or blend into sauce.
- Blend in hemp hearts.
Serving suggestions:
- Use in a lasagna recipe.
- Serve over spaghetti squash
- Serve over spiraled zucchini.
- Serve over fresh whole grain or rice or quinoa pasta.