Skip to Content

Nightshade-Free Marinara Sauce

Last updated: July 23, 2026

Tomatoes are a staple in many recipes. They, along with eggplant, potatoes and peppers, belong to a family of plants called nightshades. This group of plants contains chemicals called alkaloids, and some people have an intolerance to eating nightshades. This nightshade-free sauce leans on beets, carrots and celery to give a similar look to traditional marinara.

PREP TIME

15 Min

COOK TIME

35 Min

SERVINGS

6

DIFFICULTY

Easy

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 white onion, diced
  • 2 ½ cup carrots, chopped
  • 1 ¼ cups celery, about 4 stalks, chopped
  • 1 ¼ cup beet, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Directions

  1. Use a large, deep sauce pot to sauté the garlic and onion on low heat in olive oil until softened.
  2. Add the remainder of the veggies and sauté for a few minutes.
  3. Add about 1 to 1.5 cups of water to the pot (just enough to cover the veggies) along with the herbs. Bring to a simmer for about 30 minutes or until the veggies are completely softened.
  4. Allow to cool. Pour off some of the water if you want a thicker sauce. Combine all the veggies and seasonings with the lemon juice in a blender, and blend until smooth.
Tags: August Farmer's Market Farmers Market Recipe Recipes

Related Articles

Vegan buddha bowl with sweet potato, quinoa, chickpeas, soybeans edamame, tofu, corn, cabbage, radish, broccoli and seeds, black table background, top view. Autumn or winter healthy vegetarian food Link to the full post Recipes

Summer Meal Plan Series: Too Hot to Cook

Salad bowl with broccoli salad - ingredients: broccoli, cheddar cheese, red onion, bacon with mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar dressing Link to the full post Recipes

Broccoli Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

Back to site