No added sugar.
Pasta sauces aren’t all created equal. You might think that from the sauces you buy at the supermarket. Some are spicy, others are loaded with herbs with everything in between. What most of them include is added sugar. For those that know me, I hate added sugar in pasta sauce. That’s why I love to make this basic pasta sauce that’s suitable for both vegetarians, vegans and those on a gluten-free diet.
As a parent I do like to control the amount of sugar my kids eat. Like most kids, they eat far too much for my liking. Where possible, I try and omit sugars from meals where it’s truly not necessary and sugar in pasta sauce really isn’t.
The secret… carrots!
Tomatoes are naturally acidic. That’s why a bit of sugar is used to balance the acidity in tomato sauce. Apparently, you can use baking soda instead of sugar but I’m personally not game to do so. This doesn’t sound terribly appealing to me. Onions can also be used to cut the acid which is why it’s often included in most pasta sauces as a key ingredient. But a secret ingredient to balance out the acid is by adding some carrot into the sauce. Not only will the add sweetness to your sauce, they also give it a more rich, complex flavour.
Once all cooked, you puree the sauce into a smooth consistency. While you’ll never see the carrots in the sauce, but you’ll definitely taste the difference.
This sauce is simple and delicious!
You can turn this basic pasta sauce into whatever you want. Dress it up with mushrooms, bacon, sausage, olives, wine, and different types of vegetables. Add herbs such as basil, parsley and even a little rosemary. What you add will depend on what your family likes of course. But, if you’re unsure what to add just stick to the basic pasta sauce for your next meal and you can’t go wrong.
Want another delicious recipe?
If you like this recipe, you’ll also love others available here. From pastas to risottos, cookies to desserts, and bliss balls to gluten-free options with everything in between. There is truly something here for everyone. I have developed this website to provide family-friendly recipes where I maximise both fresh produce while minimising cost.
Basic Pasta Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, finely chopped
- 1 small celery stalk (including the green tops), finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 kg fresh tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large deep frying pan on medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, celery and parsley. Stir to coat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are softened and cooked through.
- Add the minced garlic. Increase the heat to medium-high. Cook for garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add the tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring to a low simmer, reduce the heat to low and cook, uncovered until thickened, about 20-30 minutes depending on how juicy your tomatoes are.
- Purée sauce in a blender or with an immersion blender, to give it a smooth consistency.
- Add the pasta sauce to cooked pasta and mix together. Serve in pasta bowls topped with chopped basil and grated parmesan cheese.