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Looking for a healthier alternative to spaghetti and meatballs? Try a simple marinara sauce topped with grilled vegetables.

SERVES 4

Marinara sauce is a simple tomato sauce you can make at home.

Start by making the marinara sauce. In a heavy skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add tomatoes, sugar, garlic, chopped onion, basil, oregano and black pepper. Simmer uncovered until the sauce thickens, about 30 minutes.

Prepare a hot fire in a charcoal grill or heat a gas grill or broiler. Away from the heat source, lightly coat the grill rack or broiler pan with cooking spray. Position the cooking rack 4 to 6 inches from the heat source.

Brush the red peppers, squash, zucchini and sweet onion with the remaining olive oil. Place the vegetables on the grill rack or broiler pan. Grill or broil, turning as needed, until the vegetables are tender, about 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer the vegetables to a bowl and set aside.

Fill a large pot 3/4 full with water and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the directions on the package. Drain the pasta.

Toss pasta with the sauce and grilled vegetables. Serve immediately.

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 10 large fresh tomatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 red peppers, sliced into chunks
• 1 yellow summer squash, sliced lengthwise
• 1 zucchini, sliced lengthwise
• 1 sweet onion, sliced into 1/4-inch-wide rounds
• 8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti

DASH Eating Plan Servings

Diabetes Meal Plan Choices

Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid Servings

Nutritional analysis per serving