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You are here Home » Spaghetti with Nana's Red Sauce from The Wicked Healthy Cookbook + A Giveaway

81 Comments · June 7, 2018

Spaghetti with Nana's Red Sauce from The Wicked Healthy Cookbook + A Giveaway

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This spaghetti with Nana's red sauce from The Wicked Healthy cookbook is a simple yet robust dish. Layers of flavor are built over time with just a handful of humble ingredients. This recipe is one you'll want to bookmark, dog-ear, tweet, etc. It's a goodie. 

Spaghetti with Nana's Red Sauce from The Wicked Healthy Cookbook + A Giveaway

I haven't been reviewing nearly as many cookbooks lately. Not because I haven't wanted to, but because I've had to strictly limit extra projects since I'm working just two days a week.

But when I was contacted to review The Wicked Healthy Cookbook by Chad Sarno, Derek Sarno, and David Joachim, I couldn't resist.

The Wicked Healthy cookbook offers a fresh, exciting, and chef-led twist on plant-based cooking. Chefs Chad and Derek use innovative techniques and ingredients to create recipes that are sure to entice even the most meat-loving and hoity-toity of palates.

Here's a rundown of a handful of the recipes on my must-make list:

King Satay with Spicy Peanut-Ginger Sauce
Smoky Poutine
Corn Dumplings in Coconut Corn Broth
Lion's Mane Steaks
Sourdough Pizza Dough
Lion's Mane Street Tacos
Sloppy BBQ Jackfruit Sliders with Slaw, Sriracha Mayo, and Pickles
New England Lobster Roll (side note: this one looks CRAZY good)
Banana Blossoms with Coconut and Chile
Stir-Fried Farro Fawcett
Spicy Coconut-Corn Crack
Lobstah Mushroom Chowdah

I'm only halfway through the book, but I'll cut myself off here. Plenty to entice!

Spaghetti with Nana's Red Sauce from The Wicked Healthy Cookbook + A Giveaway
Spaghetti with Nana's Red Sauce from The Wicked Healthy Cookbook + A Giveaway

To give you a little preview of the tastiness of this book, below you'll find the recipe for Spaghetti with Nana's Red Sauce.

This unassuming dish is full of robust layers of flavor. The trick is all in the sauce. Ingredients are added a few at a time and a lengthy (three-hour) cook time is a must. Trust me, it's worth it. This is a staple sort of sauce. The "gravy" for a variety of pasta canvases, if you will...

Beyond spaghetti, think: tagliatelle, vegan lasagna, vegan stuffed shells, etc. Splatter this stuff around wherever red sauce is needed. You won't be disappointed.

Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this post 1) to grab this recipe and 2) to enter to win your very own copy of The Wicked Healthy Cookbook. And if you simply can't wait to get your hands on it (I feel you), you can purchase a copy here (←affiliate link).

Spaghetti with Nana's Red Sauce from The Wicked Healthy Cookbook + A Giveaway

Spaghetti with Nana's Red Sauce from The Wicked Healthy Cookbook + A Giveaway

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5 from 4 votes

Spaghetti with Nana's Red Sauce

"This is a Sarno staple that brings me back to my childhood. We pull it out whenever we need a quick meal. With garlic bread, salad, and a bottle of red, it's the perfect go-to dinner on weeknights. I could eat it five days a week." —Chad
Servings 4
Author Chad Sarno, Derek Sarno, and DAvid Joachim of The Wicked Healthy Cookbook

Ingredients

  • Nana Sarno's Red Sauce (recipe below)
  • Sea salt
  • 1 pound your favorite dried spaghetti or spaghettini
  • Chile flakes, optional
  • Chopped, fresh basil, optional
  • Plant-based Parmesan, such as from Follow Your Heart, optional

Instructions

  • Be sure that Nana's sauce is in a pot on the stove on low heat.
  • Bring at least 1 gallon water to a boil in a large pot. Season the water with 2 tablespoons salt. (A large pot with plenty of water helps to keep the pasta from sticking, and the salt helps season the pasta and create a chewy yet tender al dente texture.) Add the pasta to the water, fanning it out. Give it a stir, then return the water to a boil and cook until the pasta is tender yet chewy when you bite into a piece, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally with tongs to prevent sticking. Strain in a colander. The sauce will cling to the pasta better if you don't rinse it.
  • There are two ways to serve spaghetti: Mix the pasta into the sauce in the pan, then transfer to a pasta bowl; or put the pasta in a bowl and pour the sauce on top. Most chefs like the former because you can meld the pasta and sauce together over low heat. But my kids pour their sauce on top because they don't like too much sauce. I'm not going to argue with them. Finish with a sprinkle of chile flakes, basil, and some Parmesan.
Print
5 from 4 votes

Nana Sarno's Red Sauce

Author Ashley

Ingredients

  • Everyday olive oil
  • 1 white onion, diced small
  • 2 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced small
  • 1 ½ teaspoons minced fresh oregano
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 28-ounce cans San Marzano tomatoes, drained
  • 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
  • About ¼ teaspoon organic cane sugar (optional)
  • Large handful of basil leaves, torn

Instructions

  • Heat a large saucepot over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pot. Sauté the onions in the oil until they look golden around the edges, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic, bell pepper, and oregano. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper, then sauté until the peppers are soft, about 5 minutes.
  • Use your hands to pinch and pull out the canned tomatoes' cores, then crush the tomatoes right into the pot. Add the tomato paste and sugar. Fill the tomato paste can 4 times with water, adding the water to the pan, and stir until incorporated. Simmer the sauce uncovered over low heat for 1 to 1 ½ hours, stirring now and then to prevent burning. Use an immersion blender in the pot, or an upright blender, to puree the sauce—or, for the perfect rustic texture, use a food mill.
  • Return the sauce to low heat and simmer until the flavors blend, an additional 1 to 1 ½ hours. Taste the sauce, and add salt, pepper, and sugar until it tastes good to you. Remove from the heat and stir in the basil.

The Wicked Healthy Cookbook Giveaway

One winner will receive a copy of The Wicked Healthy Cookbook. For a chance to win, simply enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below and comment on this post between June 7th and June 20th. Please note: this giveaway is only open to residents of the US and Canada.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kate Greenwood says

    June 07, 2018 at 5:42 am

    This cookbook looks amazing and Inspiring and sure to bring some variety to mealtime. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  2. Sj Dc says

    June 07, 2018 at 5:44 am

    i genuinely love the taste & flavor of fresh produce more than meat and the philosophy behind this book resonates with me

    Reply
  3. Katie says

    June 07, 2018 at 6:13 am

    This looks like an amazing cookbook. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  4. Catherine J. says

    June 07, 2018 at 6:26 am

    The cookbook ecipes sound delicious! I want to make the New England Lobster roll for my dad!

    Reply
  5. Shannon says

    June 07, 2018 at 7:18 am

    This book sounds really interesting and yummy! Thanks for the chance to win.

    Reply
  6. Beth R. says

    June 07, 2018 at 7:42 am

    I'm always looking for new and exciting, meat-free recipes!

    Reply
  7. Erin says

    June 07, 2018 at 9:31 am

    Looks super yummy!

    Reply
  8. Sue H says

    June 07, 2018 at 9:46 am

    Always looking for a good sauce recipe - freezing batches for later!

    Reply
  9. Alyssa says

    June 07, 2018 at 9:52 am

    Love the pure simplicity of this recipe, looks like this cookbook has some great plant based recipes!

    Reply
  10. Brittany Audra @ Audra's Appetite says

    June 07, 2018 at 9:57 am

    Love how this sauce is made with easy, pantry staple ingredients to make anytime of the year!

    Reply
  11. Sarah Kim says

    June 07, 2018 at 10:11 am

    the red sauce looks amazing! I look forward to trying it. and the other recipes sound amazing too! love the cover of the book too!

    Reply
  12. Valeria Graves says

    June 07, 2018 at 10:16 am

    This cookbook looks amazing!!! And I can’t wait to try and make homemade red sauce! Yum!

    Reply
  13. Cassidy says

    June 07, 2018 at 11:10 am

    Super excited about this book and giveaway!

    Reply
  14. Megan says

    June 07, 2018 at 11:15 am

    I've been eyeing this cookbook for a while! It sounds amazing!

    Reply
  15. Jessie says

    June 07, 2018 at 11:55 am

    That looks simple yet amazing! Can’t wait to check out this cookbook!

    Reply
  16. Kate S. says

    June 07, 2018 at 12:44 pm

    man, it's lunch time and i really want spaghetti now. specifically nana's red sauce. looks great, thanks for sharing!!!

    Reply
  17. Stefani says

    June 07, 2018 at 2:11 pm

    What a serendipitous event to find this giveaway here! I have been looking at this book on Amazon for a couple of days now but cannot currently afford to buy anything new. Whether I end up winning a copy or not, I'm going to have to try this recipe!

    Reply
  18. Janice Cook says

    June 07, 2018 at 2:18 pm

    I'm slowly building my collection of healthy cookbooks and this one looks fabulous! Cannot wait to get it! Thank you!!

    Reply
  19. Aiden says

    June 07, 2018 at 2:18 pm

    I would love to win this cookbook because I was planning on buying it anyway but am a poor student. Haha <3

    Reply
  20. Alayna Angus says

    June 07, 2018 at 2:19 pm

    5 stars
    I am in need of good, vegan recipes.
    I am going to make this spaghetti for sure and would love the cookbook!
    I am drooling just thinking about it! xo

    Reply
  21. rogue1 says

    June 07, 2018 at 2:26 pm

    I can't wait to try this recipe on zucchini noodles for a light summer supper!

    Reply
  22. Cindy says

    June 07, 2018 at 2:26 pm

    This looks simply delicious! I would love to win the cookbook.

    Reply
  23. Celsta says

    June 07, 2018 at 2:38 pm

    I like the simplicity of the red sauce recipe. I'm sure each ingredient will shine. I'd love to have more recipes from the book. Thanks for the chance, celesta

    Reply
  24. Liz says

    June 07, 2018 at 2:40 pm

    Hoping to win a copy of this cookbook... my vegetarian fiance doesn't like most vegetables, and these recipes look like ones he would actually eat! I'm vegan, and have been in a rut of making the same things over and over... these recipes look so unique - I would love to try them (lobster roll... wow!). Oh, and I'm going to try the red sauce - I really need a good recipe for that! Thanks!

    Reply
  25. Natalia M says

    June 07, 2018 at 2:40 pm

    That must-make list literally got me drooling, so yes I really really want this book!

    Reply
  26. Reina says

    June 07, 2018 at 2:43 pm

    I can't wait to try this sauce! And this cookbook looks amazing. I'm always looking for good plant-based cookbooks :)

    Reply
  27. Ashley says

    June 07, 2018 at 2:51 pm

    The photos in this book look gorgeous! Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply
  28. Carrie Smith says

    June 07, 2018 at 2:52 pm

    For one, the cover is amazing! This recipe looks delicious, as do all of the others that you listed! I am always looking for new, healthy plant-based meals. Thank you for the opportunity to win!

    Reply
  29. Laura says

    June 07, 2018 at 3:17 pm

    Those recipe titles sound so good! I never win contests but count me in. It’s worth taking a chance!!!

    Reply
  30. Hannah says

    June 07, 2018 at 3:18 pm

    Gah, yes! The perfect cookbook for a most delicious summer :)

    Reply
  31. Shoshana Rose says

    June 07, 2018 at 3:23 pm

    I'm trying to increase my collection of vegan cookbooks so this would be perfect!

    Reply
  32. Stephanie Nelson says

    June 07, 2018 at 3:31 pm

    5 stars
    This looks fantastic! If the recipes in the book are anything like this then they will be phenomenal! Thanks for offering this giveaway!

    Reply
  33. Sara says

    June 07, 2018 at 3:47 pm

    Yum!!!

    Reply
  34. Alli says

    June 07, 2018 at 4:52 pm

    This recipe sounds delicious, can't wait to try it! And the cookbook sounds really interesting and creative! Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  35. Laura Albanese says

    June 07, 2018 at 5:03 pm

    I've been following them for a while, and seeing their cookbook EVERYWHERE. All of their food looks amazing... I would LOVE the opportunity to add it to my shelf. Thank you for having a giveaway and *fingers crossed* :)

    Reply
  36. Carol says

    June 07, 2018 at 5:14 pm

    This cookbook looks amazing.

    Reply
  37. Diana says

    June 07, 2018 at 6:41 pm

    Thanks Ashley! This sounds delicious!

    Reply
  38. Laura says

    June 07, 2018 at 7:00 pm

    I love trying more plant based meals that my family will eat too! Xo

    Reply
  39. Lydia Claire says

    June 07, 2018 at 7:18 pm

    I'd like to win because the recipes look so delicious.

    Reply
  40. Nicole Fash says

    June 07, 2018 at 7:23 pm

    I will have to try this in place of our usual Scarpetta tomato sauce. Thank you for the opportunity to win the cookbook!

    Reply
  41. Theresa says

    June 07, 2018 at 7:28 pm

    Nana's Sauce sounds wonderful, I'll be making this simple sauce. I would love to explore more of their recopies. Thank you for the giveaway and an opportunity to win..

    Reply
  42. brigitte says

    June 07, 2018 at 7:36 pm

    OMG this book looks insane !! I have made their lions mane steaks as well as the oyster mushrooms !! They are magicians in the kitchen !! they are revolutionizing vegan cooking and making it the best ever !!!! I would love to see what other epic recipes and gems that are in this book!!!

    Reply
  43. Aimee B. says

    June 07, 2018 at 8:40 pm

    I would love to win a copy of this cookbook to add to my collection. I'm always looking for fresh ideas for meals. This would be perfect. Thank you for the chance. :)

    Reply
  44. Andrea says

    June 07, 2018 at 9:00 pm

    I’m seeing this cookbook everywhere, it looks amazing! Thanks for the review and the giveaway!

    Reply
  45. Denise M says

    June 07, 2018 at 10:22 pm

    Looks like a really interesting cookbook

    Reply
  46. Jordann says

    June 07, 2018 at 10:37 pm

    I’m sorely lacking in the inspiration department these days, this cookbook looks awesome!

    Reply
  47. Stacey DT says

    June 08, 2018 at 1:35 am

    Oh my word - an ode to my East Coast roots in that title AND the perfect lineup of legit, hardy, plant based recipes?! Stoked about this cookbook! And to make this dish;)

    Reply
  48. Courtney says

    June 08, 2018 at 4:00 am

    I have had my eye on this book. I am really impressed with the range of recipes and the creativity of these writers!

    Reply
  49. Julianne says

    June 08, 2018 at 8:00 am

    This lools delicious! Can't wait to get my hands on this cookbook!

    Reply
  50. Deanne O'Donnell says

    June 08, 2018 at 8:31 am

    I LOVE THEIR BLOG! IT'S FUN AND THE RECIPES ARE AMAZING!!! LOVE THESE GUYS!!

    Reply
  51. Jen Rotz says

    June 08, 2018 at 8:37 am

    This looks so good! I have been trying to incorporate more plant based meals and to get my two toddlers some more vegetables in their diet and real food. This cookbook would be great to give me some ideas :)

    Reply
  52. Tara Davis says

    June 08, 2018 at 9:27 am

    THIS ONE LOOKS YUMMY! I"M NOT FAMILIAR WITH THESE GUYS SO I'D LOVE TO GIVE THEM A TRY. THANKS FOR SHARING THEIR YUMMINESS WITH US!

    Reply
  53. Sarah Broadfoot says

    June 08, 2018 at 9:33 am

    I love cookbooks and have recently been trying to find some new healthy recipes for my "Summer bod". Would love to check out this cookbook.

    Reply
  54. Kimmy says

    June 08, 2018 at 10:35 am

    Cooking is actually my #1 passion in life and I get a lot of happiness and inspiration from cookbooks! They are my favorite types of books to read.

    Reply
  55. Colette says

    June 08, 2018 at 12:18 pm

    I'd love to try some of the recipes you listed from the cookbook - the chowder sounds great, and that red sauce looks delicious!

    Reply
  56. Maggie B says

    June 08, 2018 at 12:20 pm

    I would love to win this cookbook because my husband and I are on a mission to become healthier eaters this year- we're trying to bulk up our cookbook selection, so were never out of ideas. This recipe will be perfect when we're craving one of those heavy, not-so-healthy italian meals (read: it'll stop us from ordering pizza!). Thank you!

    Reply
  57. Tim Wales says

    June 08, 2018 at 1:32 pm

    I have tried the Homemade Marinara that is with the Portobello Parmesan, my daughter and wife thought it was too chunky. So this recipe using the immersion blender should address that complaint. Looking forward to giving it a try. I really like the Homemade Marinara, this should be even better.

    Reply
  58. Angel says

    June 08, 2018 at 6:50 pm

    5 stars
    i would love to share my passion for vegan cooking with the rest of my family and this looks like the perfect cookbook to get them on board.

    Reply
  59. Lora says

    June 08, 2018 at 10:17 pm

    I've been looking for a new red sauce recipe, this sounds good. This book is on my wish list.

    Reply
  60. Vera K says

    June 09, 2018 at 5:47 am

    I would love this. I don't eat meat and I'm always looking for fun new recipes.

    Reply
  61. Karen D says

    June 09, 2018 at 11:42 am

    I'm looking for bold, exciting meals to prepare, so I'd love to have/win a copy!

    Reply
  62. Corrine says

    June 09, 2018 at 12:08 pm

    I'd like to win because I need a lot of healthy vegan recipes!

    Reply
  63. Marissa F says

    June 09, 2018 at 3:39 pm

    Thank you for sharing a preview of The Wicked Healthy Cookbook. I would love to win a copy of this book so I can explore the 80% healthy, 20% wicked way. 😉 Also, it seems like these chefs have some innovative techniques combined with bold flavors and textures and an incredible attention to detail. Finally, I love Woody Harrelson and can’t wait to read the forward. :)

    Reply
  64. Thia says

    June 09, 2018 at 4:22 pm

    I'd like to win the Wicked Healthy Cookbook because I'm trying to add new foods and ingredients to my diet, in an effort to bring variety and interest to my plant-based lifestyle.
    Thanks for the opportunity, Ashley.

    Reply
  65. Rachel says

    June 09, 2018 at 7:18 pm

    I have been taking the plunge into a vegan diet and bringing my meat-loving hubby and kids with me... Extra resources at my fingertips would certainly be appreciated. 😊

    Reply
  66. Carolsue says

    June 09, 2018 at 10:56 pm

    I want this cookbook because I am always on the lookout for healthy, creative-type recipes and this book looks like it is just that!

    Reply
  67. cristina says

    June 10, 2018 at 2:43 pm

    keeps!!! I want this book so bad! thanks for sharing

    Reply
  68. Linda says

    June 10, 2018 at 11:14 pm

    Everything looks great, but I really want to make the New England Lobster Roll.

    Reply
  69. Kim Henrichs says

    June 11, 2018 at 7:22 am

    I would love to win this as a birthday gift for my foodie bestie!

    Reply
  70. Rose says

    June 11, 2018 at 2:28 pm

    Hi, I’d like to make this sauce, but I have a question: why drain the tomatoes? At first I thought it was because the liquid would make the sauce too thin, but then, when I read the method, it says to add 4 tomato sauce cans of water. Seems a shame to waste the flavourful liquid from the tomatoes and replace it was plain old water. Am I missing something? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Rose says

      June 11, 2018 at 2:29 pm

      Oops, tomato paste cans, not sauce.

      Reply
      • Ashley says

        June 11, 2018 at 3:54 pm

        Hi, Rose! I was wondering the exact same thing while making this. Since I'm not the one who wrote the recipe, I can't comment on reasoning or logic. All I know is that the sauce turned out amazing exactly as written!

        Reply
  71. Rachel says

    June 11, 2018 at 4:47 pm

    This looks SO good! I'm always looking for an easy red sauce recipe. Cannot wait to try it :)

    Reply
  72. Tina says

    June 12, 2018 at 5:22 am

    I'm always looking for more vegan recipes to try. This book looks interesting.

    Reply
  73. Ellen Lederman says

    June 13, 2018 at 7:00 am

    I'd love this cookbook. Sounds like some classic recipes as well as some creative and unique ones. And at 64, I want to be wickedly healthy!

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      June 13, 2018 at 10:04 am

      Love this, Ellen! Hope you're doing well! :)

      Reply
  74. allan says

    June 13, 2018 at 3:25 pm

    Love to be able to try some of these great sounding recipes!

    Reply
  75. KellyM says

    June 14, 2018 at 5:00 am

    I just cannot resist a good cookbook and this one looks great!
    Thanks.

    Reply
  76. manda says

    June 14, 2018 at 9:59 am

    I adore cookbooks and trying new receipes.

    Reply
  77. Amanda says

    June 18, 2018 at 11:31 am

    I love discovering new cookbooks and delicious recipes!! This one looks awesome!

    Reply
  78. Cassandra D says

    June 18, 2018 at 8:19 pm

    5 stars
    I like to try new and different recipes.

    Reply

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