So many of the Tomato Sauces out there are absolutely loaded with sugar, salt, preservatives and other nasties. As soon as you try a homemade version, you’ll never go back! The ones from the supermarket just taste so sickly sweet!

Try this sugar-free tomato sauce recipe. I’ve also included the additions to make for a BBQ sauce.

Serves: 30-40 (makes about a jar)
Time: 1hr 15 min
Other info: GF, DF, V, SF, Paleo

Ingredients:

For Tomato Sauce

• 2 cans crushed tomatoes or 3 cups crushed fresh tomatoes (if using tinned tomatoes, try to use ones with minimal added sugar and salt)
• ½ a brown onion, chopped
• 3 cloves crushed garlic
• 80mL Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch Cayenne (more if you like it hot, adjust to taste)
• Salt and Pepper to taste

For BBQ Sauce

• 1 cup homemade tomato sauce
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1-2 tsp Liquid smoke (adjust to taste for smokiness) – I use Tone’s Liquid Smoke. You can find this in Geelong at Harvey’s of Highton.

Method:

For Tomato Sauce

1. Put all ingredients in a pot and stir together.
2. Bring to boil, stirring to ensure spices are dissolved.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 50-60 min until sauce is quite thick, stirring occasionally.
4. Adjust for flavour as desired (salt/pepper/spice/flavour variations).
5. Allow to cool.
6. If you like a chunky tomato sauce then just pop it straight in a jar and store in the fridge. If you prefer a smoother sauce then blitz it in a blender/food processor and also store in a jar in the fridge. It will keep for about a month.

For BBQ Sauce

1. Stir ingredients together in a bowl. Adjust for taste as desired.
2. Store in a jar in the fridge.

Flavour variations!

• Some fresh or dried herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary also make lovely additions.

Macronutrients Per Serve: