In addition to gluten and dairy, there are a number of other foods I can’t digest. Pork and coffee are just as bad as dairy for me. I can onlyhandle small amounts of carbonated beverages, green leafy vegetables, and anything too acidic (tomatoes, tomato sauce and citrus fruit). I had actually cut back on tomato sauce to the point where I was putting a single tablespoon on an entire plate of spaghetti! I’ve been working on the following recipe for years and was quite devastated recently when I lost it and all my handwritten notes. I did manage to find the original recipe I based this on (thank you Internet) and recreated my adaptations from memory. I also had to make it one last time to make sure it came out right. (Hence, the delay for those of you who have been asking for this!)
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| Tomato Free Pasta Sauce over Gluten Free Pasta |
I use about 2 cups of sauce per pound of pasta and this recipemakes around 6 cups of sauce. I usually just divide this into three uses and freeze the other two. This time however, I used one, froze one and divided the rest for use in chili and/or salsa (recipes coming soon). How much sauce you like on your pasta and what you are planning on doing with it will have to guide you on how to best use and store. Note: if you’d like to use this in place of tomatoes in other recipes (chili, etc.) then divide it out at step 8 (before you add the seasonings). Just keep in mind that the sauce will lose its red color the longer you cook it (beets turn brown if you over cook them) so be sure to adjust the point at which you add this tomato-less sauce to whatever you are cooking. This also means that if you freeze portions for later, be careful not to overcook when reheating.
You could also easily adapt this recipe to make a tomato-free Marinara style sauce (use only the Basil listed under the herbs section), tomato-free meat sauce, tomato-free Bolognese, tomato-free chili, tomato-free salsa, tomato-free Jambalaya, tomato-free pizza sauce, etc.
And one last thought before I let you have the recipe. I really don’t like beets. I won’t say that I hate them (that’s an emotion I reserve for cauliflower) but I certainly wouldn’t willingly eat them. I can’t detect the taste of the beets in the final sauce.
Ingredients:
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 cup of carrots (cut into ½ inch pieces)
2 medium sweet potatoes cubed (about4 cups)
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Salt to taste
Fresh black pepper to taste
1 roasted red pepper (omit if nightshade free)
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 (8-ounce) can beets
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Optional herbs to make Marinara or other Italian sauce(s):1/3 cup Basil (chopped or whole, see below) [Fresh is better, if using dried, 2-3 tbsp]
1/3 cup Parsley (chopped or whole, see below) [Fresh is better, if using dried, 2-3 tbsp]
3 tablespoons Oregano (chopped or whole, see below) [Fresh is better, if using dried, 2-3 tsp]
How to prepare tomato free sauce:1. In a large stock pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a little olive oil until just starting to brown.
2. Add the carrots, diced sweet potatoes, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper then cover (barely) with water.
3. Bring to a boil then lower the heat and simmer (covered) for 20-30 minutes until the carrots and sweet potatoes are very soft. Add the roasted red pepper if using. (I have read that many people who can’t eat tomatoes also can’t eat red peppers since they are in the same biological family.) You don’t need to substitute if leaving out and if you add more than one they may over power the final sauce.
4. Blend the contents of the pot until smooth (in batches in a blender or with an immersion blender). Add the olive oil during the blending.
5. The cornstarch in step 6 will thicken up the sauce slightly so don’t worry if it is a little runny. If the sauce is too thick already, add some water, if too runny simmer it awhile to thicken (cover the pot but leave the lid askew).
5b. If you boil your meatballs/sausage in the sauce, I would add them here as well.
6. Puree the contents of the can of beets (liquid included) and the cornstarch in a blender until very smooth (if only using for pasta sauce, to save some chopping you can add the fresh herbs here as well!)
7. Add the beet mixture back to the pot and simmer for about five more minutes.
8. If using for more than pasta sauce, portion out what you need and then add a prorated amount of chopped herbs to the remaining sauce.
Enjoy!
Updated -07/06/11
If you don't want to make your ownsauce, Nomato makes a Tomato Free Jarred Pasta Sauce. I've never seenit soldin NJ but it is available online from the Gluten-Free Mall by clickinghere:Nomato Pasta and Pizza Sauce (No Tomatoes).
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Other Recipes That Use This Sauce Recipe:
Tomato-free Chili Recipe
Tomato-free Salsa Recipe
Tomato-free Jambalaya Recipe
Other Tomato Free Recipes:
Tomato-free Chicken Cacciatore
Other GF/DF/Vegan Pasta Recipes:
Gluten Free / Vegan / Dairy Free Stuffed Shells
Gluten Free / Dairy Free / Vegan Baked Ziti
Gluten Free / Dairy Free Vegan Lasagna
Don't forget to check out my recipes lists: Recipes without Tomato, Nightshade Free Recipes, GERD / Acid Reflux Recipes, and Vegan Recipes.
FAQs
This pasta sauce without tomatoes is made with puréed beets and carrots. My husband can't eat tomatoes, but with this sauce, we can still have Italian food once in a while. Serve it over cooked pasta or use it instead of canned tomatoes or tomato sauce in any recipe, just switch up the spices.
What is a good substitute for tomatoes if you are allergic to tomatoes? ›
Beets – If you're looking to add some sweetness to your salads or a substitute base for pasta sauces, beets can be a great substitute packed with Vitamin C that you would get from tomatoes. Carrots – Similar to beets, carrots can be a great substitute base especially in soups and are a great source of beta-carotene .
What can I put on pasta instead of tomato sauce? ›
Some options include:
- **Pesto Sauce:** A flavorful blend of basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
- **Alfredo Sauce:** A creamy sauce made with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
- **Olive Oil and Garlic Sauce:** Sauté garlic in olive oil for a simple, aromatic alternative.
If you just can't give up tomato's tangy, delicious goodness, consider adding shredded carrot or a little baking soda to neutralize the acid. Alternatives include pesto, or olive oil with parsley and oregano for an Italian flair without the burn.
What can I add instead of tomatoes? ›
Tomato-free swap: Roasted red peppers, refreshing cucumber slices, roasted beets, and figs are just a few options to replace that slightly sweet, juicy tomato. You might find that you prefer your gourmet tomato substitute!
What is a healthy substitute for spaghetti sauce? ›
Pureed vegetables: Pureed vegetables such as cauliflower, zucchini, or squash can be mixed with tomato paste or crushed tomatoes to create a flavorful and nutrient-dense sauce. Pesto: Pesto is made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil, which makes it a great low-calorie option.
What else could I be allergic to if I am allergic to tomatoes? ›
Allergens from tomatoes show an extensive cross-reactivity to birch pollen, grass pollens, bell peppers, cherry, pineapple, banana, nuts, rubber latex, apple, celery, yellow mustard, Japanese cedar pollen, peach, and members of the Rosaceae family.
Why does my stomach hurt after eating tomatoes? ›
Common nightshades include tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplants, blueberries, tomatillos, and paprika. A sensitivity to nightshades can be an allergic reaction, oral allergy syndrome, or intolerance. A nightshade sensitivity or intolerance commonly causes heartburn, gas, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
What are the symptoms of tomato intolerance? ›
abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. an itching sensation in the throat. coughing, sneezing, wheezing, or runny nose. swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat (angioedema)
What sauce does not contain tomatoes? ›
Classic creamy pasta sauces
- Desperation spaghetti carbonara. Real deal carbonara doesn't need any cream. ...
- Fettuccine Alfredo. ...
- Creamy pasta with chicken sausage and broccoli. ...
- Classic macaroni and cheese. ...
- Creamy chicken and mushroom spaghetti. ...
- Bucatini with bacon cream sauce. ...
- Pumpkin gnocchi with sage creme fraiche sauce.
When you think of “spaghetti sauce”, you're likely thinking of marinara. While the two sauces share many ingredients, the main difference is in the consistency and depth of flavor. Marinara is brighter, thinner, and more tomato forward than tomato sauce.
What is a good substitute for onion in tomato sauce? ›
- Scallions or green onions: These have a milder flavor than onions but can be used in many of the same ways.
- Leeks: These have a similar flavor to onions and can be used in soups, stews, and other dishes.
- Shallots: These are a good substitute for onions in recipes where a milder flavor is desired.
Varieties such as Ace, Amish Paste, Big Girl, Fireball and San Marzano are more common low-acid selections”. I would caution you to consult your physician before trying any of these to make sure they will not aggravate your medical condition.
Which canned tomatoes are the least acidic? ›
So why exactly did the San Marzano become the most popular? The two main arguments are that San Marzanos are: Sweeter and less acidic than other canned tomatoes. The gold standard for meaty flesh-to-seed ratio.
Which tomato has the lowest acid? ›
For lower acidity, look for tomato varieties with yellow ('Great White', 'White Cherry') or orange ('BHN 871', 'Sunrise Sauce') fruits. These tend to be less acidic than red tomatoes, or grow those that are known to have fruity or sweet flavor, which masks the acidity.
Can I use diced tomatoes instead of tomato sauce? ›
The thin tomato juice in canned tomatoes (diced, crushed, or whole) can be used in the same way as tomato sauce or puree. For every 1 tablespoon of tomato paste called for in a recipe, use 3 tablespoons of the canned juice.
What is a good substitute for tomatoes and peppers? ›
Some alternatives to tomatoes in recipes include red bell peppers, canned pumpkin, butternut squash, and beetroot. These ingredients can provide a similar texture and flavor profile to tomatoes in various dishes.
Can I use tomato juice instead of tomato sauce? ›
In a pinch, Tomato Juice can be a substitution for tomato sauce. Obviously, the juice is much thinner than the sauce. You could either simmer it down, add some tomato paste to thicken it or decrease other liquids in your recipe.
Can you replace tomatoes with ketchup? ›
Since ketchup is made from tomatoes, it can be used as a tomato sauce substitute easily in a variety of dishes—just use your judgment and be sure to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Ketchup is best utilized as a substitute in recipes that already have some sweetness.
