In an effort to cut down some calories and fat from a pasta sauce or just for the sake of doing something different especially when money is running tight, sometimes I make a sauce for pasta dishes that doesn't contain any actual tomato sauce or any "sauces" for that matter.
Here's a quick "no sauce" sauce, I make for 2 people (adjust for how many people you are cooking for).
Ingredients:
- 2 Italian sausages, Mild or Spicy depending on what you like (the best kind are the fresh made ones at your local butcher, Italian grocer, or in my case Whole Foods)
- I can of diced tomatoes in Italian herbs or Garlic/Onion (You can make this fresh from scratch, but I find it easier to use a can version. In the picture above, I used a can of Whole Foods 365 Organic Diced Tomatoes in Italian herbs. Another yummy choice is Muir Glen Diced Tomatoes in Basil and Garlic. This Muir Glen product is also a Bob Greene Best Life approved item if you are following his plan.)
- Fresh garlic (use amount to your taste)
- Fresh onion (use amount to your taste)
- Some Italian Seasoning
- Pinch of sugar
- Olive Oil
- Asiago or Parmesan Cheese
Cooking:
- Fist I dice up some garlic and onions and then saute them in olive oil in a pan.
- I take off the skin of the Italian sausages and then crumble the meat into the pan and saute it until it's cooked. I sprinkle a pinch or two of raw organic sugar on the sausage while it's frying to give it just a little sweetness. You don't have to do this. My palate likes the sweeter side.
- When the meat looks like it is practically cooked, pour in as much of the diced tomatoes from the can as you like, and stir in well with the sausage.
- Let simmer, stirring occasionally for about 3-5 minutes.
- Take a taste. There should be plenty of flavor between the seasoning from the Italian sausage and the canned tomatoes. If there isn't enough season for you, add in some Italian seasoning and mix well.
- When you have the taste you like, you're done. Scoop some sauce onto rigatoni, penne, or fusilli, and add a pinch or two of Asiago or Parmesan cheese on top.
Enjoy!
