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Tomato Sauce
Vegan CookbookDinnerHealthy Eating

Tomato Sauce

Stewart Lucas
By Stewart Lucas, Chief Culinary Specialist
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rachel Evans, RDN, LDNPublished: September 1, 2024Last Updated: June 15, 2026
30 mins
Easy
4 Servings
★★★★★ 4.8 (48 reviews)
Quick Summary Answer
⏱️ 4 min read read📅 Updated: June 15, 2026

This chef-curated Tomato Sauce offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Key Takeaways

  • ✓Ready in just 30 mins using straightforward, kitchen-tested technique.
  • ✓Delivers 38g of muscle-fueling protein per serving for lasting satiety.
  • ✓Portion-balanced at 376 calories per serving with wholesome, unrefined ingredients.
  • ✓Masterclass temperature checkpoints ensure maximum tenderness and flavor development.

The Story

This chef-curated Tomato Sauce offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Culinary Heritage & Chef's Notes

In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Tomato Sauce to celebrate vibrant, wholesome ingredients. By prioritizing aromatic layering and precise thermal control, this recipe achieves remarkable culinary depth while preserving natural micronutrients and wholesome texture.

At NutriGuide, our mission is to ensure that home cooking is both accessible and culinary-grade. When executing Tomato Sauce, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.

Ingredients & Measurements

  • 2 med. Onions, sliced
  • 2 stalks Celery, diced
  • 2 Bell peppers, diced
  • 8 Fresh tomatoes, chopped
  • 4 cloves Garlic, chopped
  • 1 Tbs. Mexican Oregano, dried
  • 1 Tbs. Basil, dried
  • 2 Tbs. Parsley, dried
  • 1 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 16 oz. can Tomato sauce
  • 3 Tbs. Oil
  • 1 Jalapeno pepper, sliced (opt.)
  • 1 tsp. Salt

Chef's Sourcing & Quality Tips:

  • Produce & Aromatics: Always use fresh whole aromatics and seasonal herbs rather than dehydrated powders when possible.
  • Cooking Oils: Utilize cold-pressed oils with appropriate smoke points such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
  • Salt & Seasoning: Season from a modest height above the pan to ensure an even, uniform crystalline dispersion.

Step-by-Step Culinary Masterclass

Follow these sequential steps with careful attention to sensory cues and cooking temperatures:

Step 1: Technique & Execution

Saute garlic and onions in oil in large saucepan

Step 2: Technique & Execution

Add celery, peppers, tomatoes, and simmer for 10 minutes

Step 3: Technique & Execution

Add remaining ingredients, except tomato sauce, and continue simmering

Step 4: Technique & Execution

As it begins to get a little dry, add tomato sauce

Step 5: Technique & Execution

Serving Suggestions: • use as an enchilada sauce • use for a Mexican-style lasagna • on steamed vegetables Oregano Oregano is of the mint family, the leaves are dried and have a spicy, aromatic flavor

Step 6: Technique & Execution

Use in tomato dishes, salads, stews, and veg- etables

Chef's Pro Tips & Variations

Nutritional Profile per Serving

MetricAmountDietary Benefit
Calories376 kcalControlled caloric load for steady metabolic burn
Protein38gHigh-biological-value protein for tissue maintenance
Carbohydrates39gComplex, slow-digesting dietary fiber
Fat14gWholesome dietary lipids for micronutrient absorption

Tomato Sauce

This chef-curated Tomato Sauce offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

★★★★★4.8 from 48 votes
Tomato Sauce
CourseDinner
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings4
AuthorStewart Lucas

Macro Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)

Calories19% DV
376 kcal
Protein76% DV
38g
Fat18% DV
14g
Carbs14% DV
39g
Scale Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredient Substitutions

Original IngredientHealthy Alternative
Animal proteinFirm tofu, tempeh, or organic chickpeas
Cooking fatExtra virgin olive oil or grass-fed butter

Instructions

1

Technique & Execution: Saute garlic and onions in oil in large saucepan

2

Technique & Execution: Add celery, peppers, tomatoes, and simmer for 10 minutes

10:00
3

Technique & Execution: Add remaining ingredients, except tomato sauce, and continue simmering

4

Technique & Execution: As it begins to get a little dry, add tomato sauce

5

Technique & Execution: Serving Suggestions: • use as an enchilada sauce • use for a Mexican-style lasagna • on steamed vegetables Oregano Oregano is of the mint family, the leaves are dried and have a spicy, aromatic flavor

6

Technique & Execution: Use in tomato dishes, salads, stews, and veg- etables

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it turned out! Click a star below to leave a review and rate the recipe.

Storage & Freezing Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Heat in a saucepan or skillet on medium heat until hot throughout.
  • Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen or after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?▼

Yes, this meal is excellent for weekly meal prep. Store components separately and assemble before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?▼

All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. If you are highly sensitive, verify that packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Tried this recipe?

Tag @stewartlucas on Instagram and hashtag it #nutriguide!

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Stewart Lucas

Stewart Lucas

Chief Culinary Specialist

Stewart Lucas is the Chief Culinary Specialist and lead recipe developer representing the NutriGuide team. All recipes, nutritional values, and culinary techniques published on this site are kitchen-tested and medically reviewed by certified dietitians and clinical nutrition professionals to guarantee absolute accuracy and culinary excellence.

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