Discover the Secret to Mouthwatering Keto Marinara Sauce Recipe at Home
What is Keto Marinara Sauce Made Of?
🧑🍳 Keto marinara sauce usually has tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, herbs, and seasoning. To keep it keto-friendly, it skips added sugars often in traditional recipes. Some versions might add onions, peppers, or a bit of red wine vinegar for extra flavor without upping the carbs.
Ready to upgrade your pasta nights? Elevate your cooking with our secret weapon: Keto Marinara Sauce. Ditch those sugary store-bought jars for a flavorful homemade masterpiece. Discover the key to crafting a delicious marinara that’s perfect for your keto lifestyle.
Imagine simmering tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs together, filling your kitchen with irresistible scents that make your stomach rumble in anticipation.
With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of know-how, you’ll be whipping up batches of this savory sauce like a seasoned pro. And the best part? You can customize it to your taste, adding a pinch of spice or a sprinkle of Parmesan to make it truly your own.
Whether you’re a pasta enthusiast looking for a low-carb twist or simply craving a cozy comfort food fix without guilt, our Keto Marinara Sauce recipe has got you covered.
Get ready to transform your dinner routine and impress your taste buds with every delicious spoonful. It’s time to dive into the world of homemade keto marinara sauce!
Table of Contents
- Is Marinara Sauce Keto-Friendly?
- How to Make Keto Marinara Sauce
- Low-Carb Marinara Sauce Recipe Tips
- What to Serve with Keto Marinara Sauce
- How to Store Keto Marinara Sauce
- More Low-Carb & Keto Recipes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Is Marinara Sauce Keto-Friendly?
Marinara sauce can be keto-friendly, but it depends on the ingredients and how it’s prepared. Traditional marinara sauces often contain added sugars, which can quickly add up in terms of carbohydrates, making them less suitable for a ketogenic diet. However, with a few modifications, you can create a keto-friendly version that’s just as delicious.
For a keto-friendly marinara sauce, stick to fresh or unsweetened canned tomatoes. Choose canned tomatoes without extra seasonings to avoid hidden carbs. Also, try erythritol or stevia as natural sweeteners to match the traditional marinara taste without raising blood sugar levels.
Another thing to think about is the seasonings and flavorings in the sauce. Instead of onions and carrots in traditional marinara, you can use lower-carb options like garlic and bell peppers. Adding herbs and spices like basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes boosts the flavor and adds depth without piling on the carbs.
By making simple swaps and paying attention to carb counts, you can enjoy the comforting flavors of spaghetti sauce while staying true to your keto goals.
How to Make Keto Marinara Sauce
Traditional spaghetti sauce typically contains added sugar, making it unsuitable for a keto diet. Opt for sugar-free brands or try this keto-friendly marinara sauce recipe. Keep in mind that regular spaghetti is carb-heavy, so consider serving the sauce over low-carb pasta alternatives.
This keto spaghetti sauce recipe has a slightly sweet and fresh flavor, offering a choice between a chunky or smooth texture. It’s easy to make with just 5 minutes of prep time, using simple, wholesome ingredients suitable for different dietary preferences like gluten-free, keto-friendly, low carb, paleo, vegetarian, and vegan.
Enjoy its versatility as a pasta sauce or pizza sauce while savoring a serving with only 3.7 grams of net carbs!
Ingredients
Crushed Tomatoes: You’ll need fresh tomatoes for homemade marinara sauce. Look for canned or jarred ones without added sweeteners. Some brands offer just crushed tomatoes, while others have a mix of crushed tomatoes with tomato puree or sauce. Any of these options will do, but ensure crushed tomatoes are included.
Monk Fruit Sweetener: Monk fruit allulose blend is a great sugar alternative for a subtly sweet sauce without the carbs. It dissolves easily, ensuring no gritty texture. While other powdered sugar substitutes may be used, they tend to crystallize during storage.
Olive Oil: Opt for extra virgin olive oil, though regular olive oil or avocado oil work well too.
Onion: Use white onion, or yellow onion is fine too. To cut carbs further, swap in roughly 1 teaspoon of onion powder added along with other spices.
Garlic: For optimal flavor, choose fresh garlic or jarred garlic for convenience. You can swap in 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder if needed, though fresh garlic provides the best taste.
Spices: We need Italian seasoning (a mix of oregano, marjoram, basil, thyme, rosemary, and sage), sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Also, include fresh basil, but you can use dried basil as a substitute.
Here is the full list of ingredients you will need to make this delicious marinara sauce:
- 1/4 cup Olive oil
- 1/2 medium Onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 28-oz can Crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp Sea salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Monk Fruit Allulose Blend
- 2 tbsp Fresh basil (chopped)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven on medium-high heat. Cook onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent.
Add the tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), sweetener, and chopped fresh basil. Stir well to combine.
Simmer the keto marinara sauce on medium-low heat for 20 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately, or allow the sauce to cool completely before storing it in glass jars in the fridge.
Nutrition
This recipe makes about 12 servings of keto marinara sauce. Each serving contains:
- Calories: 65
- Fat: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Total Carbs: 5g
- Net Carbs: 3.5g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Sugar: 2g
Low-Carb Marinara Sauce Recipe Tips
Making a keto-friendly marinara sauce doesn’t have to compromise on flavor or texture. With some smart swaps and creative tweaks, you can whip up a sauce that’s low in carbs and full of taste.
For tomatoes, choose fresh or canned types without added sugars. Pick canned tomatoes labeled “no salt added” or “unsweetened” for a clean start. Try different varieties like San Marzano or cherry tomatoes for unique flavors.
For a richer keto marinara sauce, try adding garlic, onions, and bell peppers. While traditional recipes use onions and carrots, which are higher in carbs, consider using shallots or garlic instead. Sauté these aromatics in olive oil until soft and fragrant before adding tomatoes for an added flavor depth.
When seasoning, herbs and spices are key. Italian herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary can enhance your sauce without extra carbs. Fresh herbs offer vibrant flavor, but dried herbs work too – crush them between your fingers to release essential oils before adding.
For a hint of sweetness without sugar, try using a bit of natural sweetener like monk fruit or stevia. These keto-friendly options can offset the tomatoes’ acidity and boost the sauce’s flavor. Start with a small quantity and adjust to taste, as a little goes far.
Feel free to experiment with your keto marinara sauce. Try adding olives, capers, anchovies, or a bit of balsamic vinegar for extra flavor. If you want a creamy touch, mix in some heavy cream or coconut milk. These tweaks will help you create a versatile and tasty keto marinara sauce.
What to Serve with Keto Marinara Sauce
Wondering how to enjoy this homemade keto marinara pasta sauce? You can use it with any of these low-carb pasta alternatives:
Zucchini Noodles: Prepare the zoodles while the sauce simmers, then top the noodles with the sauce. Remember to sprinkle some parmesan on top!
Spaghetti Squash: Baked spaghetti squash is simple to prepare ahead, but microwaving it is quicker. Top the spaghetti squash with sauce.
Shirataki Noodles: Shirataki noodles are similar to spaghetti, but it’s crucial to cook them properly. Follow the steps provided for best results.
Keto Egg Noodles: If you prefer chewy, thicker pastas such as linguine or fettuccine, keto egg noodles are a tasty choice. Top with your preferred pasta sauce.
Aside from using this marinara as a pasta sauce, there are other ways to enjoy this delicious keto tomato sauce:
You can utilize this keto spaghetti sauce recipe in various casseroles or one-pot meals that require marinara or spaghetti sauce. Experiment with dishes like zucchini lasagna, cabbage roll casserole, Crock-Pot sausage and peppers, or eggplant lasagna.
Use this sauce as a pizza sauce on classic keto almond flour pizza crust, cauliflower pizza crust, or chicken crust. For a simpler no-cook sauce option, opt for keto pizza sauce instead.
Keto marinara sauce is also a versatile addition to various Italian dishes as a dipping sauce, bringing great flavor to classics like eggplant rollatini, Italian sausage stuffed mushrooms, and zucchini pizza boats.
How to Store Keto Marinara Sauce
Store the low-carb marinara sauce in glass jars in the refrigerator for 3-5 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
To reheat the sauce, simply warm it up in a saucepan or microwave until it’s hot enough to your liking.
To freeze the keto marinara sauce, store it in an airtight container and it will stay fresh for 2 to 3 months.
More Low-Carb & Keto Recipes
If you like this delicious keto marinara sauce, consider the following easy recipes too:
Frequently Asked Questions
What Spaghetti Sauce is Keto-Friendly?
A keto-friendly spaghetti sauce typically consists of tomatoes, herbs, and spices without added sugars or high-carb ingredients. Look for spaghetti sauces labeled as “no sugar added” or “low-carb” to ensure they fit within your keto dietary goals.
Homemade spaghetti sauces give you full ingredient control, letting you tailor the sauce to your liking while staying keto-friendly. Choose fresh or canned tomatoes with no added sugars, and add low-carb aromatics like garlic, onions (in moderation), and bell peppers. Season with keto-friendly herbs and spices like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary for flavor without extra carbs.
By selecting sauces with minimal sugar content and prioritizing whole, low-carb ingredients, you can enjoy a keto-friendly spaghetti sauce that satisfies your pasta cravings while staying true to your dietary needs.
What Makes Marinara Sauce Thicker?
This keto marinara sauce can be thickened using various methods, depending on personal preference and dietary considerations.
To make a thicker sauce, simmer it on low heat to let some liquid evaporate, creating a more concentrated sauce. This enhances flavors and thickens the sauce naturally, without adding extra ingredients.
Another option is to incorporate tomato paste, which is a concentrated form of tomatoes with a thick consistency. Adding a small amount of tomato paste to the sauce can help thicken it while also enhancing the tomato flavor.
Some cooks also opt for thickening agents such as xanthan gum or arrowroot powder. These can be added in small quantities to the sauce to reach the desired thickness. Remember, moderation is key with these thickeners to prevent any unwanted changes in texture or taste.
The thickening method chosen should align with personal preferences and dietary needs, providing effective ways to achieve a thicker marinara sauce.
Final Thoughts
Perfecting a keto-friendly marinara sauce unlocks culinary options in line with your low-carb lifestyle. Use fresh, whole ingredients and smart swaps to craft a sauce that’s tasty and aligns with your keto objectives.
Whether you prefer the convenience of store-bought options or enjoy the creative process of homemade cooking, there are plenty of ways to enjoy spaghetti sauce while staying keto-friendly.
Try out various herbs, spices, and aromatics to customize the sauce to suit your taste. Explore different flavor mixes from traditional Italian herbs to bold spices and tangy elements. Remember to check labels when buying pre-made sauces to ensure they fit your keto requirements with low sugar and carb content.
With some knowledge and creativity, you can turn pasta night into a keto-friendly feast that satisfies your cravings and nourishes your body. Whether you’re having zoodles or keto pasta, a tasty keto marinara sauce is the perfect companion to enhance your meal.
Here’s to enjoying delicious, guilt-free dining on the keto journey!