Introduction
What's a nightshade? Certain compounds in nightshades contain a self-defense system inside the plant, protecting it from predators and pathogens. Unfortunately these substances can have a similar effect on humans that may lack the proper digestive enzymes to break down these compounds and/or immune system is weakened to fight these certain substances, resulting in unwanted symptoms. Here's a nightshade free pasta sauce! (it’s also great for pizza!)
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
• 1 cup of pumpkin puree
• 3 whole baby beets
• 1/2 cup of bone broth or veggie stock
• Generous amount of Italian seasoning of choice to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce
Blend all pumpkin, beets and broth until creamy, then add desired amount of seasoning to taste.
2. Use the Sauce
Add sauce to pasta or pizza and get creative with the toppings and mix-ins! Here I soaked lentil pasta in water for about 45 minutes (no cooking required!) then mixed it with ground protein of choice, chopped basil, evo hemp Hearts, and some coconut flour just for fun to mimic parmesan cheese.
Prep and Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 55 Minutes
- Cook Time: 5 Minutes
- Total Time: 60 Minutes
Servings and Yield
- Makes about 2 cup of sauce.
- This recipe makes enough sauce to serve 4-6 people when used with pasta or as a pizza sauce.
Tips and Tricks
- For additional flavor, consider roasting the beets before blending.
- Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more broth if needed.
- Get creative with toppings and mix-ins, such as adding roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, or different types of cheese.
Variations
Roasted Vegetables
- Roast the beets and pumpkin before blending for a deeper, caramelized flavor.
Creamy Addition
- Add a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream for a richer, creamier sauce
Herb Enhancements
- Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage for added depth.
FAQ
Nutrient Rich
- Pumpkin puree is high in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. Beets are rich in folate, manganese, and nitrates which can help improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.
