Make-It-Yourself Marinara

Making your own marinara is simple, cheap, and only takes about five minutes in the microwave. With this recipe, you are able to control your sodium and carbs if you pay attention to the nutrition facts on the two main ingredients when you buy them: tomato sauce & tomato paste.

Ingredients

- 2 (15oz) cans tomato sauce

- 1 (6oz) can tomato paste

- 2 tablespoons oregano

- 2 teaspoons garlic powder

- ½ teaspoon black pepper

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Shopping Tip:

Look at the nutrition facts on the back of the can for the brand with the lowest carbs and sodium.

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Cooking

Put the sauce and paste in a one-quart microwaveable bowl. Whisk, then cover, then microwave them for two minutes on high. After the two minutes, remove and add

oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk, then microwave for one minute. You’re done. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.This freezes well in smaller batches and otherwise is good for about a week in the refrigerator. Use on pastas, for dipping, on pizzas, and more.

How about changes

Above is the basic recipe I use all the time. You can use Italian seasoning mix instead of the oregano. Cooked hamburger or sausage to make it a meat sauce. Add extra diced veggies or mushroom before cooking to make it a chunky version. The list of changes is unlimited. You can look at the ingredient list on premade bottles at the store to get other ideas.

Remember that reading the sauce and paste labels at the store makes this a low sodium and low carb sauce.