Italian Tomato Sauce w/ Homemade Spice Blend!

Oregano is a spicy, peppery herb native to Northern Europe. Best known as an ingredient of tomato sauce and pizza, but has a part in a variety of cultures such as Greece, Spain, Mexico, and Italian cuisines. This plant has been used for centuries for its healing qualities while also offering use as a culinary herb.

Oregano carry compounds that have shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria, fight fungal infections, relieve menstrual cramps and clear blocked sinuses. Its stimulating effect are shown to also support healthy digestion, relieves gas and reflux, treat coughs, earaches, diarrhea, relieve urinary tract infections, and can also be used as an insect repellent. Along with each of those medicinal benefits it provides antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin E.

Additional uses- as a bath oil for a reviving soak, in a massage oil (great for abdominal pain), as an antibacterial wash, and even placed in a diffuser to ease congestion.

Italian Herb Blend

Ingredients- 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried marjoram, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, 1/2 tsp dried sage

Instructions- Whisk all seasonings together in a bowl until combined. Use immediately or store in a sealed container. Feel free to adjust the ratio to make whatever size of batch you would like.

Italian Tomato Sauce

Ingredients- 1 onion, 4 garlic cloves, 4 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tbs kelp powder, 2 (14oz) cans or fresh diced tomato, 1 med. carrot, 1 med. stalk of celery, dash of salt & pepper, Italian blend to taste (recipe provided above)

Instructions- Saute chopped onion, garlic w/ olive oil & salt pepper (till translucent). Add kelp powder, diced tomatoes, chopped carrot & celery. Low simmer for 1 hour. Run the sauce through a blender/vitamix & return to the pot. Add desired amount of Italian blend. Cover & simmer for an additional 20 minutes, then serve over your choice of pasta or zucchini noodles.

Tips

Remember, a little goes a long ways with this herb. Even though we always say “fresh is better” recipes often call for dried oregano. That’s because this plant retains its flavor even once dried and not everyone has fresh oregano on hand.

Here are 7 foods that could all benefit from a little more oregano- red meat, chicken, seafood, dough, tomato sauce, frittatas, omelets, salad dressings or infused in a little extra virgin olive oil.

It is best to add toward the end of the cooking process, since heat can easily destroy aromatic oils & delicate flavors!

Mia Martinek, N.C.

Curtis, Susan., Johnson, Fran., Thomas Pat., (2016). Essential Oils: All-natural remedies and recipes for your mind, body, and home. New York; NY.

Murray, M. & Pizzorno, J. (2005). The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods. New York. NY: Atria Books.