Candida Diet Friendly Paleo Marinara Sauce
A rich, garlicky tomato sauce is one of those kitchen staples that feels almost impossible to give up, and this version proves you absolutely don't have to. Made with just a handful of clean, whole-food ingredients — crushed San Marzano tomatoes, fresh garlic, olive oil, and herbs — it skips every common additive, hidden sugar, and preservative that makes store-bought jars a problem for anyone managing yeast overgrowth. The slow simmer is where the magic happens: as the sauce cooks down uncovered, the color shifts from bright red to a deep brick-red and the flavor becomes something genuinely complex and satisfying. Torn fresh basil stirred in at the end keeps things bright and aromatic without any processed flavor shortcuts. It's the kind of sauce that makes zucchini noodles, roasted vegetables, or a simple piece of grilled chicken feel like a real, indulgent meal. Keep a batch in the fridge and weeknight dinners suddenly get a whole lot easier.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed san marzano tomatoes
Ingredient noteTomatoes themselves are not on the candida avoid list; canned tomatoes are limited only for their natural sugars. This recipe works out to about 3/4 cup of canned tomatoes per serving — a full portion rather than a trace, but still likely fine. If you prefer to always avoid canned tomatoes, please tap it and change its rating to Red.
- ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- 8 fresh basil leaves, torn
Instructions
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat until it shimmers. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, if using, and cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to turn golden at the edges, about 2–3 minutes. Watch closely — garlic can brown quickly and turn bitter.
- 2
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Add the salt, black pepper, and dried oregano.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!