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Fresh AIP-Compliant Tomato-Free Beet Marinara Sauce

Fresh AIP-Compliant Tomato-Free Beet Marinara Sauce - featured image

A vibrant, tomato-free marinara sauce made with beets, garlic, and herbs, perfect for those following the autoimmune protocol (AIP) or avoiding tomatoes. This sauce is quick, easy, and packed with fresh, earthy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium fresh beets, peeled and chopped
  • 34 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • 1 cup filtered water
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel the beets and carrot, then chop into small, even ½-inch pieces.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and slightly golden, about 1-2 minutes. Avoid burning.
  3. Add chopped beets and carrot to the pan, stirring to coat with oil and garlic.
  4. Pour in 1 cup filtered water, sprinkle in dried oregano and a pinch of sea salt, and stir well.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beets and carrots are tender.
  6. Remove from heat. Add fresh basil leaves and apple cider vinegar if using. Blend the sauce with an immersion blender until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, transfer to a blender in batches and blend until silky. Adjust thickness with additional water if needed.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or herbs as desired. Optionally add a pinch of garlic powder.
  8. Serve warm over spiralized zucchini, roasted sweet potatoes, or AIP-compliant pasta substitutes.

Notes

If you want to keep it strictly AIP, omit the apple cider vinegar or substitute with lemon juice. You can swap olive oil for avocado oil for a milder taste. Fresh basil is preferred but dried basil works well if added early in cooking. To avoid beet stains, wear gloves when peeling or roast beets whole and peel after cooling. If sauce is too earthy, add a splash of lemon juice. For thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for last 10 minutes. Leftovers taste better the next day. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: AIP, tomato-free, beet marinara, paleo, gluten-free, healthy sauce, autoimmune protocol, easy marinara, beet sauce