Pasta in Tomato & Tuna Sauce

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There is increasing evidence that a high-sodium diet can lead to health problems, including high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, stroke and osteoporosis.

After suffering from an episode of high blood pressure a few years ago, I started looking for ways to decrease it naturally. Cutting salt from the diet is highly recommended, along with other measures such as doing moderate exercise, and reducing stress.

This recipe can be made entirely without any added salt, and contains celery, which has been shown to help lower blood pressure. You just need to make sure you can get hold of reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable stock - or make your own. And of course, if you really want to, you may add a little salt. Moderation is the key!

The flavor of the tomato, basil and tuna sauce is delicious, even without adding salt. So healthy and tasty!

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2 cloves of garlic (crushed)
2 sticks of celery (chopped)
red bell pepper (chopped)
onion (chopped)
chicken or vegetable stock
tomatoes (400g tin)
fresh flat-leaf parsley
fresh basil
sugar (a pinch)
tomato puree
coarse ground black pepper
tuna (400g tin)

Celery Health Benefits

Celery contains phthalides which have been shown to significantly reduce blood pressure, and so it can be used to help in cases of hypertension. Celery can also help in strengthening bones, joints and connective tissue. It also contains phenolic compounds which can prevent tumor growth.

Put the chopped red bell pepper, onion, celery and crushed garlic into a pan. Add the chicken or vegetable stock, bring to the boil and then simmer for 5-10 mins or until the vegetables are soft and the stock reduced. You can make your own stock, or use a stock cube or granules - remember though that commercial stocks probably contain salt, so if you are looking to cut salt from your diet, check on the ingredients.

Once the stock has reduced and the vegetables are soft, add finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, and chopped fresh basil. Stir into the vegetables and then add the tin of chopped tomatoes and a tablespoon of tomato puree, together with a pinch of sugar. Add coarsely ground black pepper to taste. Continue simmering the mixture for about half an hour, stirring occasionally. It is best to cook out the flavors for half an hour for best results - so don't be tempted to shorten the cooking time here!

Once the sauce is cooked out and thickened, add the tinned tuna and mix thoroughly into the sauce. Heat gently with occasional stirring, while preparing the pasta.

Serve with pasta shells - or whatever shape pasta you prefer - cooked according to the packet instructions if using dried pasta.

And there it is: another very easy recipe that is full of mediterranean flavors, and very healthy. Bon apetito!

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