Low-carb Marinara Sauce - PCOS-Friendly Recipe

Low-carb Marinara Sauce
Prep: 5 min
Servings: 1
Snack

Nutrition per Serving

9 Calories
0.66g Protein
3.5g Carbs
9.8g Fat
When cravings strike between meals, reach for this italian Low-carb Marinara Sauce. Smart snacking is a key strategy for PCOS management — it helps prevent blood sugar dips that can trigger cortisol spikes and hormonal imbalances. This recipe delivers a satisfying combination of nutrients to keep you on track.

Key PCOS-Friendly Ingredients: Olive oil is a key Mediterranean diet ingredient rich in polyphenols. Garlic is supports cardiovascular health and has anti-inflammatory properties. Tomato is rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.

Healthy fats support hormone production and help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins essential for reproductive health. Anti-inflammatory foods are especially important for PCOS, as chronic low-grade inflammation is a key driver of symptoms.

This recipe pairs well with a side of leafy greens or a simple mixed salad to add extra fiber and micronutrients to your snack.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes or regular tomatoes, chopped (150 g / 5.3 oz)
  • ½ - 1 cup fresh basil
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 shallot or small white onion (30 g / 1.1 oz)
  • 4 tbsp / ¼ cup tomato puree, unsweetened (60 g / 2.1 oz)
  • 4 tbsp / ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (60 ml / 2 fl oz)
  • ¼ tsp salt or more to taste (I like pink Himalayan)
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • Note: When looking for ingredients, try to get them in their most natural form (organic, without unnecessary additives).

Instructions

  1. Wash and drain the tomatoes and fresh basil. Peel the onion and garlic.
  2. Place most of the ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. You may need to dice the onion and mash the garlic before to make sure there are no large pieces left.
  3. If you prefer a chunky texture, leave some tomatoes and basil aside, dice and add to the smooth sauce. When done, place in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to a week. To keep it fresh for longer, pour a thin layer of extra virgin olive oil on top and store for up to 2 weeks.
  4. Marinara sauce is perfect as topping on low-carb pizza!

How This Recipe Supports PCOS Management

Understanding the nutritional profile of what you eat is a powerful step in managing PCOS. Here is how the key ingredients in this Low-carb Marinara Sauce contribute to your health goals:

  • Olive oil: Anti-inflammatory properties make it especially beneficial for PCOS
  • Garlic: May help reduce cholesterol levels often elevated in PCOS
  • Tomato: Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress elevated in PCOS
  • Onion: Support cardiovascular health and blood sugar regulation

PCOS Diet Principles in This Recipe

The PCOS diet focuses on three core principles: reducing inflammation, managing insulin resistance, and supporting hormonal balance. Every recipe in our collection is evaluated against these principles. This recipe excels in providing anti-inflammatory spices that target the chronic inflammation underlying PCOS, and healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that support cell membrane health and hormone synthesis. As part of a balanced PCOS meal plan, we recommend pairing recipes like this with a variety of nutrient-dense foods throughout the week to ensure you are meeting all your micronutrient needs.

Meal Prep Tip: This Low-carb Marinara Sauce can be prepared ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Meal prepping is one of the most effective strategies for sticking to a PCOS-friendly diet, as it removes the temptation to reach for processed convenience foods when time is short.

PCOS-Friendly Foods in This Recipe

This recipe contains the following foods that may benefit PCOS management: Basil.

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