We all know that our skin is best nourished from the inside out. We often think of skin-healthy foods as those fresh, summery fruits and veggies like grapefruit, peppers, broccoli and greens. Those are wonderful, but did you know that tomatoes are the best source of lycopene — a powerful antioxidant that protects skin from environmental damage??

Homemade tomato sauce is a nourishing, skin-healthy dish that you can serve all year round. Throw it on pasta for a quick and easy meal, or use it as a tasty topping for baked potatoes, fish or even steak and chicken. This is my go-to recipe, inspired by FoodNetwork.com.

chunky tomato sauce

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 medium onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
  • 1 (24-ounce) glass jar strained tomatoes (I use Bionaturae – canned tomatoes contain high amounts of BPA… no thank you!)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a saute pan over medium-low heat.
  2. Add the onion to the pan and cook slowly for 3-5 minutes, or until it is soft and starting to brown.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for one minute more. (Garlic tends to burn quickly, do watch it carefully.)
  4. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer for another 15 minutes.
  5. Serve over pasta, and enjoy!