4 Nutritious Sauces to Add To Your Holiday Meal

The holidays are all about traditions and making recipes that have been passed down through the years. Whether you’re making grandma’s famous mashed potatoes, mom’s cornbread pudding, or dad’s deep-fried turkey, there’s always room to add some nutrition with a sauce or gravy. Sauce adds more flavor, depth, and in this case, more nutrition to the foods you are eating. Here are four sauces to consider adding to your holiday dinner table this year.

1. Spicy Tomato Jam
   
   Ingredients:
   • 30 oz tomato sauce
   • 1/2 cup reduced-calorie brown sugar
   • 2 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar
   • 1 TBSP Ginger
   • 1 tsp Salt
   • 1/4 tsp Smoked paprika
   • Optional- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
   
   Directions:
   1. Add tomato sauce to a saucepan and heat on medium for 2-3 minutes.
   2. Mix in remaining ingredients and place on a simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce reduces by about half.
   
   Chef Tip: Spread on your dinner rolls, your turkey, or even your brussel sprouts. It adds a kick of heat and punch of flavor to your meal.
2. Yogurt Gravy
   
   Ingredients:
   • 1/4 cup turkey stock/broth
   • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
   • 1/4 tsp dried thyme
   • 1/4 tsp dried, ground rosemary
   • 1/4 tsp ground sage
   • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
   • 2 tsp onion powder
   • 1 tsp cornstarch
   • 1.5 cups plain Greek yogurt
   • 1/2 tsp salt
   
   Directions:
   1. In a saucepan, heat stock and all spices on low heat. Bring to a simmer and heat for 5 minutes.
   2. Remove from heat and stir in cornstarch and Greek yogurt. Continue to stir, so the Greek yogurt does not clump.
   3. Add salt and serve.
3. Orange Cranberry Sauce
   
   Ingredients:
   • 12 ounces fresh cranberries
   • 1/2 cup 100% orange juice, freshly squeezed
   • 1/4 – 1/2 cup water
   • Zest of orange
   • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
   
   Directions:
   1. Rinse produce, then zest the orange.
   2. Heat a medium-sized saucepan. Add cranberries, orange juice, and 1/4 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, stirring often. Cranberries should look cooked, and the mixture should thicken after about 7-10 minutes.
   3. Remove from heat, then add orange zest and cinnamon. Serve.
   
   Chef Tip: Be sure to taste the sauce. If it is too tart, add more orange juice. Use with turkey, ham, or vegetables.

4. Hummus Dressing

   
   Ingredients:
   • 1/2 cup Simple Truth Plain Hummus
   • 3 TBSP Olive or canola oil
   • 2 TBSP Water
   • 1 lemon, juiced
   • 1 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar
   • Salt to taste
   
   Directions:
   1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl except the oil.
   2. Whisk together until smooth, then slowly add the oil, continuing to whisk.
   3. Add a pinch of salt to taste, then serve.
   
   Chef Tip: This is the perfect dressing for a fall salad! You can also use it as a dip for a vegetable tray.

As you can see, sauces really don’t take much effort to make as they usually contain about 5 ingredients. These are easy recipes that you can accomplish while making the other main courses of the big meal. The recipes are nutrient-dense and contain whole fruits, vegetables, prebiotics, and probiotics, supporting your gut health. As you can see, eating healthy can be delicious, and your guests won’t even know the difference.

Disclaimer: This information is educational only and not providing healthcare recommendations. Please see a healthcare provider.