Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Homemade Tomato Sauce

Tomatoes are known for their outstanding antioxidant content,
including their rich concentration of lycopene, they also provide an
excellent amount of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene and a good
amount of the mineral manganese. Some research studies show that
by eating tomatoes or tomato-based foods regularly, along with a healthy
diet, may reduce the risk of heart disease, which is even more of a
good reason to add tomatoes to your family meals as often as possible!

 2 tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. tomato paste
10-12 fresh Italian plum tomatoes, diced
1/4 cup water
1 tbs. raw sugar, honey, agave or natural sugar substitute
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Sea salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
A few leaves of fresh basil, chopped

Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add
onion and cook until translucent, stir in garlic and tomato paste, cook
for 1 minute, then add tomatoes and water. Add sweetener of choice,
crushed pepper flakes, and season well with salt and pepper, once the sauce
comes to a boil lower the heat and cook for 25 minutes.

Add the chopped basil and simmer sauce for 5-10 minutes longer.
If desired, puree tomato sauce in a food processor before serving
over hot cooked, and drained multi-grain pasta.
 

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