Healthy Tomato sauce

The tomato is one of the healthiest salad foods because it contains lycopene, which offers protection from prostate cancer, and compounds to help prevent blood clots.
They also contain several other antioxidants including quercetin and lutein (they both help to prevent cataracts and keep heart and eyes healthy).Tomatoes are low in calories but high in potassium (helps regulate body fluids) and contain useful amounts of fiber.They contain salicylates, which have an anticoagulant effect.
One medium tomato contains nearly a quarter of the day's recommended intake of vitamin C for an adult.
Practical tips
The more red and ripe the tomato is, the higher its content of lycopene.The tomato peel is richer in nutrients than the flesh and the central seed part is high in salicylates, so avoid peeling and don't seed unless necessary.

It is always preferable to purchase organic produce if possible.

Healthy Tomato Sauce

Ingredients
1 Tbsp.coconut oil
1 small onion, chopped
2-3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 small celery stalk, finely chopped
1 bay leaf
1 lb/450g ripe organic tomatoes,peeled and chopped
1 Tbsp.tomato paste(organic), blended with 2/3 cup water
few fresh oregano sprigs
pepper

Method
1.Heat the oil in a heavy-bottom saucepan.Add the onion, garlic,celery, and bay leaf, and gently sauté,stirring frequently, for 5 minutes.
2.Stir in the tomatoes with the blended tomato paste.Season with pepper to taste and add the oregano.Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover,and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes, until the tomatoes have completely collapsed.If liked, simmer for an additional 20 minutes to give a thicker sauce.
3.Discard the bay leaf and the oregano.Transfer to a food processor and process until a chunky puree forms.If a smooth sauce is preferred,pass through a fine nonmetallic strainer.Taste and adjust the seasoning,if necessary. Reheat and use as required.

Click on the video below for a wonderful raw
fresh tomato basil sauce. The only thing that I would do differently is that I would not add that amount of cheese to the dish(preferable if the cheese is organic).It would be best for everyone to add their own individual amounts.A great option for the pasta would be brown rice pasta or Ezekiel pasta.



Enjoy!
Sylvie Thibert