No-Salt-Added Marinara Sauce
Jarred pasta sauce is one of the biggest sodium sources in a typical pantry. This version leans on garlic, olive oil and long simmering instead.
Sodium note
Estimated at well under 50 mg sodium per half-cup serving when made with no-salt-added canned tomatoes. Always check your own labels.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons no-salt-added tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 (28 oz) cans no-salt-added crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 1 large handful fresh basil leaves, torn
- Freshly ground black pepper
Method
- 1
Warm the olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, for 8 to 10 minutes until soft and lightly golden. Browning the onion is where much of the flavor comes from, so do not rush it.
- 2
Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
- 3
Stir in the tomato paste, oregano and pepper flakes. Cook for 2 minutes so the paste darkens slightly and loses its raw edge.
- 4
Add the crushed tomatoes. Bring to a gentle bubble, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5
Stir in the vinegar and torn basil. Taste, then finish with plenty of black pepper.
Nutrition (estimated, per serving)
- Calories
- 90
- Protein
- 2 g
- Carbs
- 9 g
- Fat
- 5 g
- Sodium
- 20 mg per 1/2 cup
Nutrition and sodium information is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredients, brands, serving sizes and preparation methods. Always check the labels on the products you buy.
Substitutions
- Swap crushed tomatoes for no-salt-added whole tomatoes crushed by hand for a chunkier sauce.
- Use shallots in place of yellow onion for a milder, sweeter base.
- Balsamic vinegar can replace red wine vinegar; start with half the amount.
Tips
- Freeze in 2-cup portions for fast weeknight pasta.
- A grated carrot simmered with the tomatoes adds natural sweetness without sugar.
- For a deeper flavor, roast the garlic first and mash it into the sauce at the end.
New to cooking without salt? Start with our beginner guide and 25 ways to add flavor without salt.
