As it is when the holiday’s end, we are seriously looking to reduce the extra pounds we may have added. We then go looking for something delicious and healthy in place of the sugary delicacies we have over indulged. This Easy Healthy Verdure is one of my favorite “go to” recipes when I need a healthy lift. It is seriously easy and everyone in our home loves it, regardless of the time of year.
Easy Healthy Verdure With Homemade Marinara Sauce
Ingredients: (4 servings)
- 16oz. Brussels Sprouts
- 12oz. Broccoli
- 10oz. Mushrooms
- 3 cups Marinara Pasta Sauce (Jarred variety of choice or homemade)
- Shaved Parmesan cheese
Directions:
If you’re making the homemade sauce below, prepare the marinara pasta sauce first and set aside. Cut the Brussels spouts in half, cut broccoli into bit size pieces and cut the mushrooms into thick slices. Microwave or steam the Brussels sprouts, broccoli and mushrooms until the vegetables are al dente. Then combine the marinara sauce and vegetables in a 3.5 quart pot and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender . Place in serving bowls and sprinkle with shave Parmesan cheese and serve.
Notes: Be careful not to over cook the vegetables or they may become a little to mushy. You can vary the type of vegetables in the recipe, but these are a particularly good 
flavor combination. You may use your favorite jarred marinara sauce if you don’t have time to make the homemade version I’ve provided below. My favorite jarred marinara sauce for this recipe is Classico Tomato & Basil Marinara Sauce.
Homemade Marinara Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 – 28oz. Canned whole peeled plum tomatoes.
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons of finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
Directions:
Pulse the canned tomatoes with juice in a blender until coarsely pureed. Put the tomatoes, garlic, and oil in a 3.5 quart sauce pan and bring to a boil. Season with salt, cheese and pepper and stir. Reduce to a simmer and cook on medium heat until thickened, about 12 to 15 minutes (or until you reached your desired thickness). Remove from heat.
Notes: You may cool and store this for later use. It’s a great make ahead marinara sauce that will keep for up to a week.
I love both of these recipes because they have such great flavors. You can’t beat the fact that they are both very low in calories without sacrificing a great taste. Enjoy.
Happy cooking…
PS: If you enjoyed this recipe check out my Simple Three Cheese Lasagna, Homemade Yogurt and Rustic Apple Tart. Enjoy.