Nomato Sauce (Tomato Free Sauce Alternative)
PALEO II GLUTEN FREE II VEGAN II DAIRY FREE II SOY FREE II NIGHTSHADE FREE II EGG FREE II GUT FRIENDLY
Searching for a delicious nomato sauce recipe that mimics the richness of traditional marinara? This vibrant, tomato-free sauce is the ultimate solution for anyone with nightshade allergies, acid reflux, or those following an AIP or anti-inflammatory diet. By using a nutrient-dense blend of root vegetables and squash, this recipe delivers all the comfort of a classic pasta sauce without a single tomato in sight.
If, like me, you can’t tolerate deadly nightshades, you may have felt you were missing out on favourites such as pizza, bolognese, lasagne and curries but not anymore.
This sauce is rich, comforting and full of flavour, while also being anti-inflammatory and packed with antioxidants and nourishing nutrients. It delivers that classic tomato-style taste without the unwanted side effects. Once you try this nomato sauce recipe, it truly opens the door to enjoying all those much-loved dishes again.
Notes on ingredients & substitutions for nomato sauce
Butternut squash
If your in the USA, feel free to swap the squash for pumpkin puree instead, I know how much you guys LOVE pumpkin puree. It’s a great alternative to butternut squash.
Beetroot
Always fresh over the cooked vacuum-packed variety you can find in the supermarket's salad department. However, if this is all you can get, add it to the sauce at the end when you blend it.
Balsamic vinegar/ lemon
Use either. If you have an intolerance to yeast, use the lemon instead.
Stock/ bouillon
Try these brands of stock:
Yeast-free, Gluten-free, Vegan - Marigold brand (Some products contain potato starch, but there are two varieties that do not. Please read the labels carefully.)
Homemade AIP/Paleo-friendly vegetable stock - Take a look at this recipe
Homemade AIP/Paleo-friendly chicken stock - Take a look at this recipe.
Homemade top 14 free stock - Take a look at this recipe but omit the celery.
Onions & garlic
I always use fresh garlic as I find the flavour much stronger as its fresher. If you cannot eat onions or garlic, replace them with chopped fennel instead and 1/4 tsp of asafoetida which adds a really vibrant onion and garlic flavour a little goes a long way so be sparing with this spice it really packs a punch.
Ingredients
Tips
After you have pureed the sauce, you should adjust its thickness to your liking. You can either use extra vegetable stock to thin it out. Or, if you’re planning to use it as a tomato-free pasta sauce, you can thin the sauce with some of the pasta water.
You can also add spices like cumin, or dried basil or oregano to the sauce when you sweat the onions and garlic, and then finish with fresh basil.
Try adding fresh basil, coriander or rosemary to the sauce while pureeing. Or you could add chopped olives or anchovies to the sauce, too, for extra va va vroom.
Storage & reheating
I always make a double batch and freeze them in small containers so I always have nomato sauce at hand. However it will keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Other similar recipes - Nightshade free, Gluten free & Dairy free
Take a look at my popular article, The Ultimate Beginners Guide to a Nightshade-free diet.
Key Takeaways
Nomato sauce is a perfect nightshade-free alternative to traditional marinara, making it ideal for those with acid reflux or AIP dietary requirements.
The recipe relies on a nutrient-dense base of butternut squash, carrots, and beetroot to replicate the colour, richness, and mouthfeel of classic tomato sauce.
This versatile sauce is easily adaptable; it can be made low-FODMAP by substituting onions and garlic with fennel and asafoetida.
The sauce is freezer-friendly and retains its quality for up to four days in the fridge, making it perfect for batch cooking and meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this nomato sauce?
Yes, this sauce freezes exceptionally well. It is recommended to make a double batch and store individual portions in airtight containers, which will keep perfectly for several months.
Is this recipe suitable for people with nightshade allergies?
Absolutely, this sauce is specifically designed to be nightshade-free. It completely replaces tomatoes with a root vegetable base, allowing those with sensitivities or autoimmune conditions to enjoy classic dishes like pasta and pizza safely.
How can I make this nomato sauce low-FODMAP?
To make the recipe low-FODMAP, simply omit the onions and garlic. Instead, use chopped fennel and a small amount of asafoetida to provide a similar depth of flavour without the digestive triggers.
Can I use store-bought beetroot for this recipe?
While fresh beetroot is preferred for the best flavour and texture, you can use pre-cooked vacuum-packed beetroot if necessary. If you choose this option, it is best to add the beetroot just before blending the sauce at the end.
45 mins prep & cooking time
Step by Step
Recipe
4 tbsp olive oil
2 onions or 380g peeled & chopped
dried basil/ oregano/ marjoram * optional
4 cloves peeled garlic
400 g peeled butternut squash cut into 2cm cubes
400 g carrot peeled & roughly chopped
225 g beetroot peeled & chopped
2 pint/1136 ml ( just over a Litre) vegetable stock ( made with 2 stock cubes or 2 tsp powdered bouillon)
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar or juice of 1/2 lemon
cumin * optional
Method
Sweat the onions and garlic with the olive oil on a medium heat till soft and slightly golden brown. If using dried herbs or spices add them at this stage.
Add the rest of the vegetables & sweat for a further 5-8 minutes. This brings out the flavour of the vegetables..Add salt & pepper
Add the stock and simmer till the vegetables are soft. ( please do not boil this to death, the vegetables just need to be soft enough to blitz).
Once cooled pop the sauce into a liquidizer with either the balsamic or lemon juice and blend till smooth.
If you need this sauce to be thinner just add more vegetable stock.
Use this sauce in place of tomato sauce on your pizza, in bolognaise, lasagne or a curry.
Nightshade free recipe cookbook
If you are looking for more nightshade-free recipes, This cookbook is a game-changer for those following a nightshade-free diet. Avoiding these nightshade foods can be challenging, but this book offers a solution with its 16 mouthwatering recipes that recreate popular dishes like pizza, Bolognese, Thai curries, and chips without any nightshade ingredients.
Say goodbye to the struggle of finding nightshade-free options and hello to a delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-cook nightshade-free diet.
Not only are these recipes free from nightshade vegetables and the nightshade family, but they're also dairy-free and gluten-free, with many vegan, soy-free, top 14 allergen-free, sesame-free, and paleo options. Indulge in your favourite flavours without the nightshades and embrace a nightshade-free lifestyle that's both satisfying and healthy.
Looking for anything?
Browse all Articles
Latest articles
Latest Recipes
Follow along on Instagram
You might also like these recipes:
