"Discover the perfect Keto-friendly alternative to traditional spaghetti sauce with our easy-to-follow recipe. Made with wholesome ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and a blend of Italian herbs, this sauce is not only low in carbs but also bursting with flavor. Customize the thickness and spice level to suit your taste, and enjoy it over zucchini noodles or alongside Keto-friendly meatballs for a satisfying meal that supports your Keto lifestyle."
Chef's knife For chopping garlic, onion, and any other ingredients.
Large Saucepan or Pot: For cooking the sauce.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring the sauce.
Measuring cups and spoons For measuring ingredients.
Blender or Immersion Blender (Optional) For achieving a smoother sauce consistency if desired.
Can opener If using canned tomatoes or tomato paste.
Small Bowl (optional): For mixing seasonings or sweetener before adding to the sauce.
Ingredients
2tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped (optional, can be omitted or used in moderation for Keto)
28ouncescan crushed tomatoes (or 4 large fresh tomatoes, diced)
2tablespoons tomato paste (optional, for thicker consistency)
1tablespoon Italian seasoning (or 1 teaspoon each of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
1teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
1/2teaspoonred pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of spice)
1teaspoon keto-friendly sweetener (optional, like erythritol or stevia, to balance acidity)
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional, for added freshness)
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
Finely chop the garlic and onion (if using).
Dice the fresh tomatoes if not using canned.
Cook the Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion (if using) and sauté until fragrant and the onion is translucent.
Add the crushed tomatoes (or diced fresh tomatoes), tomato paste (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
Simmer and Serve:
Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If using, stir in the keto-friendly sweetener to balance the acidity.
Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. For a smoother consistency, use a blender or immersion blender.
Serve the sauce over your favorite Keto-friendly noodles or with grilled meat.
Notes
Here are some important notes for making Keto Spaghetti Sauce:
Tomato Choice: Use canned crushed tomatoes for convenience and consistent flavor. If using fresh tomatoes, ensure they are ripe for the best taste.
Onion Consideration: Onions are optional in this recipe as they contain more carbs. If you are strictly counting carbs, you might want to reduce the quantity or omit them entirely.
Sweetener Selection: Adding a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes. This is optional and should be adjusted to taste.
Herbs and Seasoning: Italian seasoning can be substituted with a blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme. Fresh herbs can be used for a more vibrant flavor but should be added towards the end of cooking.
Consistency Adjustments: Tomato paste is optional and can be used to thicken the sauce if desired. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a small amount of water or broth.
Blending: For a smoother sauce, use a blender or an immersion blender. Be cautious when blending hot liquids to avoid splatters.
Serving Suggestions: This sauce pairs well with zucchini noodles (zoodles), shirataki noodles, or over grilled meats for a complete Keto-friendly meal.
Storage: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can also be frozen for longer storage, up to three months. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Customization: Feel free to add other low-carb vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for additional flavors and textures.
These notes should help ensure the best results and provide flexibility based on individual preferences and dietary needs.