Looking for a low-calorie sauce that's both nutritious and delicious? Look no further than marinara sauce! With just 35 calories per serving (85 g), marinara sauce is the perfect addition to any healthy meal. But what makes this sauce so low in calories? And how can you use it to create a tasty and nutritious dish? In this article, we'll explore the answers to these questions and more.

Marinara sauce is a tomato-based sauce that contains a variety of herbs and spices, such as garlic, oregano, and basil. It's a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and C, iron, and potassium. And because it's low in calories, it's a great way to add flavor to your meals without adding extra calories. Of course, not all marinara sauces are created equal, so it's important to choose the right one. Look for a sauce that's made with whole, natural ingredients, and avoid those that are high in added sugars and preservatives.

Now that you know a little more about marinara sauce, let's explore how you can use it to create a healthy and delicious meal. With a little creativity, you can use marinara sauce in a variety of dishes, from pasta and pizza to soups and stews. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy meal or a gourmet creation, marinara sauce is the perfect ingredient to add to your recipe.

Low-Calorie Marinara Sauce

As we mentioned earlier, marinara sauce is a low-calorie option for those who want to add some flavor to their meals without adding extra calories. But just how low in calories is it? For starters, one serving (85 g) of marinara sauce contains just 35 calories. Compare that to Alfredo sauce, which can contain over 220 calories per serving, and you can see why marinara sauce is such a great option for those who are trying to watch their weight. And because it's made with wholesome ingredients like tomatoes and herbs, marinara sauce is also a great source of vitamins and minerals.

Delicious Marinara Sauce with Fewer Calories

If you're looking for a way to make your marinara sauce even healthier, there are a few simple steps you can take. For starters, try using fresh tomatoes instead of canned. Fresh tomatoes contain more nutrients and fewer preservatives than canned tomatoes, and they also have a fresher taste. You can also cut back on the calories in your marinara sauce by using less oil and salt, and by avoiding high-calorie ingredients like cream and cheese. Another great way to add flavor without adding calories is to experiment with different herbs and spices. Try adding a little extra garlic, oregano, or basil to your marinara sauce for an extra burst of flavor. You can also try adding some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Whatever you do, be creative and have fun!

What Makes Marinara Sauce Low in Calories?

So what exactly makes marinara sauce so low in calories? The answer lies in its ingredients. Marinara sauce is typically made with tomatoes, which are low in calories and high in nutrients. It also contains garlic, onion, and a variety of herbs and spices, which add flavor without adding calories. And because it's usually made with water instead of oil, it's a much lighter option than other sauces like Alfredo or creamy tomato sauce.

How to Use Marinara Sauce for a Healthy Meal?

One of the great things about marinara sauce is that it's incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for how to use it to create a healthy meal:

• Use marinara sauce as a topping for whole grain pasta or zucchini noodles. Top with some grilled chicken or mushrooms for protein.
• Spread marinara sauce on a whole wheat pizza crust and top with veggies and low-fat cheese.
• Use marinara sauce as a base for soups and stews. Add some lentils or quinoa for extra protein and fiber.
• Use marinara sauce as a dip for raw veggies or whole grain crackers.

The possibilities are endless! Just be sure to choose a marinara sauce that's made with wholesome ingredients and is low in added sugars and preservatives.

Marinara Sauce: The Perfect Addition to Any Dish

Whether you're in the mood for Italian, Mexican, or Asian cuisine, marinara sauce can be the perfect addition to any dish. Here are some ideas for how to use marinara sauce in your favorite cuisines:

• Italian: Use marinara sauce as a topping for whole grain pasta, as a base for pizza, or as a dipping sauce for garlic bread.
• Mexican: Use marinara sauce as a topping for grilled chicken or fish tacos, or as a dip for tortilla chips.
• Asian: Use marinara sauce as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or as a base for stir-fry veggies and tofu.

By adding a little marinara sauce to your favorite dishes, you can add flavor and nutrition without adding extra calories.

How to Make Your Own Low-Calorie Marinara Sauce

If you're feeling ambitious, you can also make your own low-calorie marinara sauce from scratch. Here's a recipe to get you started:

• 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

To make the sauce, sauté the onion and garlic in the olive oil until fragrant. Add the chopped tomatoes, salt, and black pepper, and cook over medium heat until the tomatoes have broken down and the sauce has thickened. Stir in the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using), and simmer for a few minutes longer. Serve hot over your favorite dish.

Health Benefits of Marinara Sauce

In addition to being low in calories, marinara sauce also has a variety of health benefits. Here are just a few:

• It's a great source of vitamins and minerals. Marinara sauce contains vitamins A and C, iron, and potassium.
• It can help protect against cancer. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of some types of cancer.
• It can promote heart health. Tomatoes contain lycopene, as well as other nutrients that have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease.

By choosing a high-quality marinara sauce that's made with wholesome ingredients, you can enjoy these health benefits and more.

Different Variations of Marinara Sauce

While traditional marinara sauce is made with tomatoes and herbs, there are many different variations that you can try. Here are a few:

• Mushroom marinara: Add sautéed mushrooms to your marinara sauce for extra flavor and texture.
• Spicy marinara: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to your marinara sauce for some extra heat.
• Cheesy marinara: Stir in some grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese for a creamy, cheesy flavor.

By experimenting with different variations of marinara sauce, you can find the perfect flavor combination for your taste buds.

Tips for Buying the Healthiest Marinara Sauce

Not all marinara sauces are created equal. To choose the healthiest option, look for a sauce that meets the following criteria:

• Contains whole, natural ingredients. Look for a sauce that's made with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and spices.
• Avoids added sugars and preservatives. Some marinara sauces contain high amounts of added sugars and preservatives, which can negates the nutritional benefits of the tomatoes and herbs.
• Is low in calories and fat. Choose a marinara sauce that's low in calories and fat, and avoid those that are high in oil or cream.

By choosing a high-quality marinara sauce that meets these criteria, you can enjoy all the health benefits of this delicious sauce without any of the added drawbacks.

Easy Marinara Sauce Recipes

Looking for some easy marinara sauce recipes to get you started? Here are a few:

• Quick and Easy Marinara Sauce: Combine one can of crushed tomatoes, one chopped onion, and 2 cloves of minced garlic in a saucepan. Add 1 teaspoon each of dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
• Homemade Tomato and Basil Marinara: Heat some diced tomatoes over medium heat until they have released their juices. Add some chopped onions and garlic and cook for a few minutes. Add some fresh basil, salt and pepper, and simmer for about 30 minutes.
• Roasted Garlic Marinara: Roast some garlic in the oven until it's soft and fragrant. Add it to a saucepan with some crushed tomatoes, salt and pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for about 20 minutes.

By making your own marinara sauce at home, you can control the ingredients and ensure that you're getting a nutritious and delicious sauce.