Rich Blender Marinara with White Beans

Here's the perfect marinara sauce to use the next time you make a healthy lasagna or stuffed shells! It's more filling and thick/rich with the addition of white beans - blended in! You'd never know! Thanks to my friend Chef Chloe of chloescleancuisine.com for this wonderful idea! 

Ingredients for this recipe. 

Blender Marinara

Makes 7-8 cups

This is the simplest way to make your very own marinara sauce and it’s never been quicker! Tomatoes are an excellent source of the carotenoid lycopene, which has been shown to reduce cancer risk. The cooking process releases lycopene from the plant’s cells, increasing our ability to absorb it! The carrots add natural sweetness and beta-carotene to your dish.   Blend & simmer and you’re ready to make an incredible meal.

Adapted by Tracy Childs from a Recipe by Chloescleancuisine.com

• 1 large Onion, roughly chopped
• 4 Cloves Garlic
• 2 tablespoons Sun Dried tomatoes (not packed in oil)
• 1.5 cups cooked White Beans (or 1 can), drained
• 18 ounce jar or can of Tomato Sauce
• 1-2 ripe, fresh tomatoes (if you have them!)
• 1 6 oz jar or can Tomato Paste
• 1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Italian Seasoning
• 1-2 dates (optional)
• 2 large Carrots, roughly chopped
• 1 cup water
• 1-2 dates (optional)
• 1-3 bay leaves (optional – do not blend!)

Add all ingredients (except bay leaves) in a high-speed blender and blend until super smooth. Add to a large pot along with the bay leaves if using and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Add more water as needed if it gets too thick. Enjoy!

 NOTE: This marinara was part of a full meal I recently made for a client's romantic & vegan anniversary dinner which included:

Homemade, Aged Cheese

Flax Crackers

Arugula & Fresh Fruit Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing & Crunchy Pecan "Baco" Bits

Stuffed Shells with Blender Marinara and Creamy Vegan Ricotta <-- recipe here

Garlic Bread

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Truffles

Cookies

Let me know if you'd like to plan your next special meal! Just leave the cooking to me! 

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