A Sweet and Sugar-Free Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

When it comes to spaghetti sauce, many traditional recipes can contain added sugars or high fructose corn syrup, which may not align with everyone's dietary preferences or health goals. However, you can still enjoy a delicious and flavorful sauce by relying on natural sweetness from fresh vegetables and tomatoes. Here's a simple, no-sugar-added recipe that not only tastes great but is also healthy.

Why Choose a Sugar-Free Spaghetti Sauce?

Choosing a sugar-free spaghetti sauce can be beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, it reduces the overall sugar content in your diet, which can be important for managing blood sugar levels or maintaining a lower calorie intake. Secondly, it allows you to control what you put into your meal, ensuring that there are no surprise ingredients that might affect your taste preferences or health goals. Lastly, it enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables and tomatoes, resulting in a rich and satisfying sauce that truly stands out.

No-Sugar Added Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

The key to this sugar-free spaghetti sauce is using natural sweetness from vegetables like carrots and relying on fresh or no-sugar-added tomatoes. This ensures that your sauce is packed with flavor without any added sugars or high fructose corn syrup.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium onion, finely chopped 3-4 cloves garlic, minced 1 carrot, finely grated for natural sweetness 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color) 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes (look for no-sugar-added brands) 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce (no sugar added) 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) Salt and pepper to taste Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Tips:

Use fresh tomatoes: If you prefer, you can use about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and chop them before adding them to the sauce. Additional vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition. Flavor enhancements: For more depth, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar-free sweetener if desired.

Instructions

Saute Vegetables: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Saute in the minced garlic and grated carrot, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add Bell Pepper: Add the chopped bell pepper to the pan and cook for another 3-4 minutes until it becomes softened. Combine Tomato Products: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Season the Sauce: Add the dried oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. Serve: Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta and garnish with fresh basil or parsley (optional).

Conclusion

This sugar-free spaghetti sauce maintains a delicious taste while staying true to the essence of fresh tomatoes and vegetables. It's an excellent choice for those who are mindful of their sugar intake or simply want a healthier alternative to traditional recipes. Give it a try and enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal!