Sugar Free Pizza Sauce

Baby and kid friendly pizza sauce

This tomato sauce is bursting with flavor without all the sugar, salt, and additives that are normally found in store-bought versions. It’s also rich and THICK as any good pizza sauce should be. It won’t run off the crust or make it soggy. Having said this, we all need a break from cooking sometimes, and it’s so nice to have store-bought sauce on hand for days when we just…can’t. When choosing one to enjoy with your baby, the most ideal option is one with minimal ingredients, sodium and sugar. Related post: When can babies have sugar?

Ingredients

Tomato paste: This is a very important ingredient so don’t skip it. It adds a rich, concentrated tomato flavor and really thickens up the sauce. When adding to this sauce as well as others, be sure to incorporate it at the beginning of the cooking process alongside other aromatics. As it caramelizes, it will taste less bitter and become sweeter, adding great depth and structure. Another awesome thing about tomato paste is that it’s actually a great source of iron! Crushed tomatoes: Use a really good canned tomato like San Marzano. It is the main ingredient so don’t skimp on it! You’ll definitely taste the difference. Onion: be sure to finely grate or mince. I like to use my mini food chopper for small tasks like this (linked in the recipe card below). Hemp hearts: They may be tiny but are packed with essential nutrients, including omega 3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, fiber, and protein (like quinoa, contain all the essential amino acids making them a complete protein source). Such an easy way to boost nutrition! Fresh basil: Really brightens up the sauce! You can use dried if you wish. Just add it along with oregano. Related post: Nuts and seeds for baby