While my family isn’t Italian, I grew up in a predominantly Italian neighborhood in Northern New Jersey. I know what authentic Italian food made with love tastes like – and I won’t settle for less.
Most Sunday sauces use ground pork and beef and a heck of a lot more oil than this one. But you won’t miss the fat, because this sauce is GOOD and good for you. Just the way I like it.
Ingredients:
- 2 (28 oz) cans diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, minced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ cup minced fresh basil leaves
- salt
- ground black pepper
- LOVE (the magic ingredient)
Directions:
- Process 1 can of tomatoes with their juices in a food processor until almost smooth, about 5 seconds
- Combine the onion, oil and ½ teaspoon salt in a large pot, cover and cook over medium-low heat until softened, 8-10 minutes
- Stir in the garlic, tomato paste and pepper flakes and cook until garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds
- Stir in half of the ground turkey and cook breaking the meat into small pieces until the meat loses its raw color but has not browned, about 4 minutes.
- Add the pureed tomatoes, remaining can of diced tomatoes with their juices, broth and bay leaves.
- Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavors are blended and the sauce is thickened, about 45 minutes.
- Stir the remaining turkey into the sauce and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the bay leaves and stir in the basil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
*Inspired by America’s Test Kitchen Best Light Recipes, Meat and Cheese Lasagne
Robyn Spurr is a Certified Health Coach, Weight Loss Coach, Personal Trainer and founder of Chickadee Weight Loss. She helps women reach their healthy, natural weight and stay there without all the diet craziness.
For more information on Weight Loss Coaching, click here.