Mom's Tomato Paste Sauce

Mom’s Tomato Paste sauce is a recipe that should never be forgotten. The wisdom of this recipe has unfolded over many years. Tomato paste is made by cooking down tomatoes after removing seeds and skin. My mother and grandmother knew that it wasn’t healthy to eat those parts of the tomato plant but did not know the reason. Now we know that lectins are concentrated in the seeds and skin and could make us ill.

Fresh and canned tomatoes are equally healthy. It is a very concentrated source of vitamin C. Just one medium tomato contains 28% of the RDA for vitamin C. Vitamin C acts as an antiviral and has been used to support people with Covid-19. Another important compound in tomatoes is lycopene which reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer.

During this pandemic, we have all been squirreling away items in our pantry for later use. Tomato paste saves a lot more space than those heavy jars of spaghetti sauce. It is also extremely economical at less than $1.00 per can. Pasta with sauce is a great comfort food during these stressful times.

In order to lower carbohydrate consumption, I put the sauce over Palmini Noodles (from hearts of palm) which are just 4 grams of carbohydrate per serving. I got them on Amazon but Trader Joes has them also. Or use any pasta of your choice.

Mom’s Tomato Paste Sauce

• 2 cans tomato paste (or 2 jars tomato paste)

• 2 cans water (use can as your measuring cup) (if using jarred paste, use 3 jars water)

• 4 T olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic (mashed or pressed)

• 2T dried basil

• 1 t salt

• 1 T honey

• 1/8 tsp pepper

• 1/8 tsp red hot pepper flakes

• 1-2 bags Palmini Noodles

• Parmesan cheese or vegan parmesan cheese to taste

• fresh basil for garnish

Sautee garlic in olive oil until garlic is very slight brown. Add canned paste to mixture in pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on medium heat. This takes away that canned flavor. Add water and remainder of ingredients except cheese, Palmini noodles and fresh basil.

Cook sauce for about 10 min on medium heat until thickened and well blended. Stir often and lower heat if it starts to splatter. Enjoy!