Currently Craving: Uncle Steve’s Gluten-Free Sauces

Over the last few years there has been a lot of controversy surrounding gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and triticale, often used as an additive in foods for flavor, stabilization, or thickening. Those with celiac disease are allergic to the protein (an estimated 1 in 100 Americans have the disease, and many are undiagnosed) and even more people have a gluten sensitivity, leading to issues with digestion, bloating, and even certain skin conditions. Due to so many having a wheat sensitivity, gluten-free diets have gone from a medical necessity to a mainstream way of eating.

Besides bread, one of the most commonly consumed sources of gluten in many diets is pasta and for me personally, the idea of breaking up with a dish I ate at least twice a week was daunting. However I quickly discovered I actually enjoyed the taste of pasta alternatives, that is when they were paired with a proper sauce, because a good tomato sauce (or gravy, depending on your heritage) can make just about anything taste amazing! And Steve Schirripa’s, yes that’s Bobby Baccalieri of Sopranos fame, Uncle Steve’s Italian Specialties sauces may just be the best bottled Italian sauce I’ve ever had.

Uncle Steve’s comes in three flavors: Marinara, spicy Arrabbiata, and my personal favorite, Tomato Basil. The sauces use USDA certified organic imported Italian whole peeled tomatoes, they are non-GMO, have no added sugar, and are gluten-free! My favorite thing to see when I purchase pre-packaged foods is a short, easy-to-read ingredient list. Uncle Steve’s ingredient lists are short and sweet, containing only organic whole food ingredients. In addition to the organic tomatoes they use organic fresh onions, organic extra virgin olive oil, organic fresh garlic, sea salt, organic black pepper, organic fresh basil, and organic crushed red pepper (in the spicy variety).

When I say these sauces are so good I could just drink them with a straw, I’m not exaggerating. I literally slurped up every last drop the first time I tried the sauce and have since used them on everything from my pasta alternatives (adzuki bean and spaghetti squash are my favorites), eggplant pizzas, and chicken parmesan.

Order them online at unclestevesny.com for $7.99 each (a minimum order of 3 jars is required) or find a store near you!