Discover if Marinara Sauce is Whole30 Approved and Perfect for Your Clean Eating Journey!

Marinara sauce is a staple ingredient in many Italian dishes. It’s typically made with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs. However, if you’re following the Whole30 diet, you may be wondering if marinara sauce is allowed. The answer is: it depends.

What is the Whole30 Diet?

The Whole30 diet is a 30-day elimination diet that removes all processed foods, sugar, grains, dairy, legumes, and alcohol. The goal of the diet is to reset your body and identify any food sensitivities.

Is Marinara Sauce Whole30 Compliant?

Traditional marinara sauce is not Whole30 compliant because it contains tomatoes, which are a nightshade vegetable. Nightshades are a group of plants that also includes potatoes, eggplant, and peppers. Some people believe that nightshades can cause inflammation and other health problems.

However, there are some Whole30-compliant marinara sauce recipes that use compliant ingredients, such as carrots or sweet potatoes instead of tomatoes.

Whole30-Compliant Marinara Sauce Recipe

Here is a simple recipe for a Whole30-compliant marinara sauce:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the carrots, sweet potatoes, onion, and garlic to the pan.
3. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes.
4. Add the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the pan.
5. Cook for 1 minute more.
6. Remove the pan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly.
7. Puree the sauce in a blender or food processor until smooth.

Other Ways to Use Marinara Sauce

Marinara sauce can be used in a variety of dishes, including:

• Pasta
• Pizza
• Chicken
• Fish
• Vegetables

Wrap-Up

If you’re following the Whole30 diet, you can still enjoy marinara sauce. Just be sure to make it using compliant ingredients.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Can I use store-bought marinara sauce on the Whole30 diet?

A: No, most store-bought marinara sauces contain sugar or other non-compliant ingredients.

Q: Can I use tomatoes in my Whole30 marinara sauce?

A: No, tomatoes are not allowed on the Whole30 diet.

Q: What can I use instead of tomatoes in my Whole30 marinara sauce?

A: You can use carrots, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to my Whole30 marinara sauce?

A: Yes, you can add any compliant vegetables, such as onions, garlic, peppers, or zucchini.

Q: Can I add meat to my Whole30 marinara sauce?

A: Yes, you can add ground beef, sausage, or chicken to your marinara sauce.

Q: How long can I store my Whole30 marinara sauce?

A: You can store your marinara sauce in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Q: Can I freeze my Whole30 marinara sauce?

A: Yes, you can freeze your marinara sauce for up to 3 months.