Twenty-Minute Tomato Sauce image

Vitamins A and C promote cell health and immunity.

MAKES ABOUT 2½ CUPS

THIS quick tomato sauce is a great stand-in when you’re out of jarred sauce or you have gorgeous ripe tomatoes that are begging to be made into a light sauce. Make a big batch and freeze it.

¼ cup olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 pounds tomatoes (about 7 large), cut into ½-inch dice

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1 tablespoon light brown sugar

1 teaspoon salt

Freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons tomato puree

⅓ cup chopped basil or your favorite fresh herbs

• In a large saucepan, combine the olive oil and garlic and sauté over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes, or until light golden. Add the tomatoes, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, and salt and pepper to taste and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Stir in the tomato puree and continue to simmer for 10 minutes. Add the basil, adjust the seasoning, and serve.

Meal ideas

• Protein, such as meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy, or plant-based (Easy-Bake Meatballs, here)

• Whole wheat pasta or grains

• Reduced-fat milk or yogurt

• Green salad or vegetable

Meal ideas and tips for diabetes

• Protein, such as meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy, or plant-based (above)

• Whole wheat pasta or grains, 1 or 2 CARBS

• Green salad or nonstarchy vegetable, 1 CARB

½ cup tomato sauce: Calories: 117 cals; Protein: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 8 g; Fat: 9 g; Fiber: 2 g; Sodium: 398 mg; Vitamin A: 1,409 IU; Vitamin C: 20 mg; ½ CARB