Meatless Mondays: Homemade Tomato Sauce from the Pantry

Posted by Matt on March 21st, 2011 at 11:36am

When was the last time you made your own spaghetti sauce? If you’ve never tried your hand at making a homemade tomato sauce, then this super easy tomato sauce recipe is perfect for you.

Last night, I didn’t get back home until after 9pm, and I hadn’t eaten anything since midday. Needless to say, I don’t particularly enjoy long days like that as I was incredibly hungry by the time I got home. I wanted something quick and easy, but still satisfying. I didn’t have much around the house, but I figured I had just enough pantry staples to whip together a quick homemade tomato sauce. The sauce came together as the pasta was cooking, making this easy spaghetti sauce ideal for a super quick meal.

Homemade Tomato Sauce from the Pantry

Cooking Time: About 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 can whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 green pepper, sliced
• 2-3 tablespoons Artisana cashini butter (tahini or any nut butter would work here as well)
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1/2 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• 1 hefty pinch red pepper flakes
• Black pepper, freshly cracked
• Nutritional yeast, to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add both cans of tomatoes. Smash tomatoes with a wooden spoon until the liquid just starts to boil.
2. Add the green pepper slices and nut butter, and stir to combine.
3. Once the green peppers have begun to soften, add your chosen spices and stir to combine.
4. Add your cooked spaghetti (or cooked rice) to the sauce, and stir to combine thoroughly. Serve and enjoy.

Note 1: Keep in mind that this recipe is designed for quick and cheap cooking. If you have the extra time to process your own tomatoes, chop your own garlic and grind your own nut butter, then by all means go for it! However, many of us don’t have this extra time. I’d prefer to use only whole, real ingredients but unfortunately I just didn’t have enough time. There was a reason I made this with quick spaghetti sauce almost exclusively with pantry staples.

Note 2: If you remember my vegetarian chili post, you’ll know that one of the main reasons I avoid canned goods is because of their BPA content. If this is a concern for you, there are two ways to approach this issue. One, some canned foods manufacturers do make BPA-free cans, and I’d highly suggest using those products. Additionally, you could again dice your own tomatoes for this simple spaghetti sauce. Even better would be to can your own homemade tomato sauce for use later! (I give you lots of credit if you do this!)

Note 3: I recently bought nutritional yeast for the first time, and I was very impressed. I sprinkled some on top of my pasta right before eating, and thought it added a pleasantly mild, slightly cheesy taste. I purchased some after seeing it used on on food blogs such as The New Healthy, and I think it’s a great way to add a hint of  cheesy flavor to a dish.

Note 4: My apologies for the quality of this photo! Unfortunately I only had my cell phone on me, and this is what happens. It’s better than nothing though, right?

Overall, this easy tomato sauce had plenty of flavor, and when eaten with pasta was just what I was looking for after a long day. This spaghetti sauce recipe was thinner than anything out of a jar, but it coated the pasta well. Of course, if you want to thicken it up, add more tahini or even add some tomato paste. I served this tomato sauce over pasta, but it would be unbelievably delicious over rice as well.

Your Turn: What is your favorite homemade tomato sauce recipe?

Tags: healthy eating, Healthy Recipes, low-sodium, recipes, what to eat

Under Healthy Recipes Tags: healthy eating, Healthy Recipes, low-sodium, recipes, what to eat