Nowadays many people are following the autoimmune paleo protocol (AIP). This restricted version of the paleo diet, in addition to prohibiting grains, legumes, and dairy, also excludes eggs, nuts, seeds (including seed-based spices) and nightshades (potatoes, peppers, eggplant, and tomatoes) in an effort to minimize – and in some cases to cure – leaky gut and many auto immune diseases.
You know how it is, we Italians love our tomato sauce ;) Tomatoes, especially when it comes to cooking Italian food, are a true staple. Pizza Margherita and Pasta Bolognese are not the same when made without marinara sauce.
Of course, when health issues are involved, matters of flavors are secondary and, with the right replacements, we can keep on enjoying all of our favorite dishes!!
Personally, I really enjoy the challenge of recreating traditional dishes with ingredients targeted for those with food allergies. I love the creativity that’s involved and the sensation of helping people who are struggling with serious diet limitations.
After a few attempts, I nailed a recipe for a tomato free marinara sauce that’s so good you’ll want to eat it even if you don’t have a nightshade intolerance! —Ambra Torelli
See what other Food52ers are saying.