Satisfy Your Cravings with This Mouth-Watering Pasta Sauce
A warm welcome to all the food enthusiasts out there! Today, I’m excited to share my Vegetarian Pasta Sauce recipe with you. Pasta sauce is the soul of any Italian dish and this recipe is an absolute winner. Whether you are a vegetarian looking for a meatless option, or just want to switch things up from your usual meat-based sauce, this recipe is your new go-to for all occasions.
This rich and flavorful sauce not only will impress your taste buds but also is a healthy alternative giving you the goodness of vegetables. And trust me this sauce is so tasty, even the kids who are picky eaters won’t be able to resist its hidden veggie goodness!
I have created this recipe with some of the freshest ingredients you can find at your local grocery store, which makes it taste incredibly fresh and delicious. Not only that, this recipe is very easy to make, requiring minimal time and effort – so what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking and indulge in some good food that’ll make your soul happy.
Join me as I show you how quick, easy, and fun cooking vegetarian pasta can be with this delicious Vegetarian Pasta Sauce recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My dear reader, let me tell you why you’re going to love this vegetarian pasta sauce recipe.
Firstly, it’s a delicious and healthy alternative to conventional meat-based sauces that will leave you feeling satisfied and guilt-free. Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian or just wanting to reduce your meat intake, this recipe is perfect for all of us.
Secondly, it’s incredibly versatile as it can be adapted to any preference or dietary requirements. You can enjoy this sauce with any pasta of your choice, whether it’s veggie pasta, white pasta, or gluten-free pasta. Also, the recipe can easily be tweaked to suit your preferences in seasoning and level of heat.
Thirdly, this sauce is jammed with hidden vegetables that make for a creative way to incorporate more greens into our diet without even realizing it! The carrots, celery, onions, and bell pepper all contribute to the rich flavor of this sauce while providing essential nutrients and fiber.
Finally, the convenience factor cannot be overlooked as well. The ingredients are easily accessible and the recipe can be stored in large batches or frozen for later use, meaning you always have a healthy and delicious homemade option on hand when time is tight.
If you’re still not convinced that this vegetarian pasta sauce recipe is worth a try, I encourage you to give it a go and discover for yourself how easy it is to whip up something that tastes so good while being good for your body too. Trust me; once you’ve tasted it, there’s no going back!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you will need:
- Olive oil: 2-3 tablespoons
- Onion (chopped): 1 medium
- Garlic cloves (minced): 2-3 cloves
- Celery ribs (chopped): 2 pieces
- Carrots (peeled and roughly chopped): 2 pieces
- Green bell pepper (roughly chopped): 1 medium
- Red bell pepper (roughly chopped): 1 medium
- Canned stewed tomatoes: 1 large can (28 oz or 796 ml)
- Canned tomato sauce: 1 can (15 oz or 443 ml)
- Canned tomato paste: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Dried basil: 1 teaspoon
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon or to taste
- Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon or to taste
- Fresh parsley leaves (chopped): for garnish
Make sure you have these ingredients stored in your pantry so you can easily whip up this delicious vegetarian spaghetti sauce whenever you crave it!
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, let’s start making our delicious Vegetarian Pasta Sauce!
Step 1: Saute the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Once hot, saute onions, garlic cloves, and chopped celery until they become translucent.
- Add diced carrots, chopped green pepper, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until the veggies start to soften.
Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Tomato Paste
- Pour in a can of crushed or stewed tomatoes (28 oz) and stir well.
- Add a tablespoon of tomato paste and mix thoroughly.
Step 3: Season with Herbs and Spices
- Add the following dried herbs and seasonings: a teaspoon of dried oregano, a teaspoon of dried basil, half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper.
- Stir to combine to create an even seasoning.
Step 4: Let it Simmer
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- This allows all the flavors to meld together and create a rich taste that will complement any pasta dish.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Parsley
- Once the sauce has cooked for at least half an hour, turn off heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top.
- Stir in gently, then serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later use.
Congratulations! You’ve just made your very own vegetarian pasta sauce. Make sure to save extra portions for your next quick meal without hesitation.
Substitutions and Variations
Hooray! Here’s the perfect section for those of us who like to switch things up from time to time. The great thing about this Vegetarian Pasta Sauce Recipe is that it’s incredibly adaptable. You can easily swap in and out ingredients depending on your preferences or what you have available in your kitchen.
First off, let’s talk about the vegetables. I highly recommend using celery, carrots, and bell pepper, as they add great flavor and texture to the sauce. However, if you’re not a fan of one or more of these veggies, no worries! Feel free to leave them out entirely or substitute them with something else like zucchini or mushrooms.
Another way to mix things up is by using different herbs and seasonings. While I love the combination of oregano and basil in this recipe, you could also try adding some thyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
If you’re looking for a creamier sauce, try blending in some cashews or tofu until it’s nice and smooth. Or you could simply stir in some almond milk or coconut cream towards the end of cooking to add a touch of creaminess without going full-on dairy.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to play around with different types of pasta! While I used veggie spaghetti in this recipe, you could use any type of pasta you prefer – from classic white spaghetti to penne or even rigatoni.
Overall, there’s no wrong way to make this recipe your own. Whether you want to go full-on roasted vegetable medley or keep things simple with just tomato sauce and onion, the possibilities are endless. So go ahead and get creative in the kitchen!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing this vegetarian pasta sauce, the possibilities are endless. One of my favorite ways of serving this sauce is by throwing it over a bowl of veggie pasta, giving it a healthy boost while still being packed with flavors. The sauce is also great for tossing over spaghetti or any other pasta that you want to use. You can add some fresh parsley on top of the dish, providing a fresh pop of color and flavor.
If you’re looking for something that requires no cooking, spread some of the sauces onto bread or toast for a delicious start to your day with a delightful bruschetta. It’s also an excellent dipping sauce for anything that needs a little flavor boost like sandwiches, breadsticks or as a topping on pizza.
To pair with the dish, I recommend indulging in light and refreshing drinks such as white wine or beer. You can also keep it healthy by sipping on fruit-infused water or lemonade if you want to steer clear of alcohol altogether. The fruity flavors from these drinks complement the richness and herb flavors from the pasta sauce creating an explosion of tastes in your mouth.
Overall this vegetarian pasta sauce is versatile and can be used in many dishes It’s so easy to make and adds an extra dimension of flavor to any meal that you create!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this vegetarian spaghetti sauce recipe is that it can easily be made ahead and stored for later use. When it comes to make-ahead meals, this dish is definitely a winner. You can prepare the sauce in advance, and simply reheat it when you are ready to serve.
To store the sauce, transfer it into an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will last for up to five days when stored properly. When reheating, simply transfer the sauce into a pot and gently heat it over medium heat until it’s warm all the way through.
Another great option is to freeze the sauce for future meals. To do this, allow the sauce to cool down completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers. You could also use heavy-duty plastic bags or mason jars for storage. Make sure to leave some space at the top of your container or bag to allow for expansion when freezing.
The sauce can stay fresh in your freezer for up to six months. To reheat from frozen, simply remove the container of sauce from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, heat up slowly on medium-low heat while stirring occasionally until fully reheated.
When it comes to reheating leftover vegetarian pasta or any pasta for that matter, ensure you do not overcook them because they might lose their texture and end up being too soft. Rather than microwaving your veggie pasta, consider reheating your leftover pasta sauce in a pan on low-medium heat to avoid burning and preserve its flavors.
By making this vegetarian spaghetti sauce in advance or freezing leftovers from a large batch, you can always have a tasty meal within reach without much hustle.
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to make the perfect vegetarian pasta sauce, there are a few tips that you should keep in mind. A good pasta sauce is about balance and depth of flavor. Here are some tips that may help you yield a delicious sauce that everyone will love:
Firstly, be sure to regularly stir your sauce as it simmers. This can prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning. The stirring also allows the flavors to meld together.
Secondly, if you want a thicker sauce, you can add more tomato paste towards the end of cooking. This helps to thicken the sauce without it becoming too watery.
Thirdly, don’t be afraid to season your sauce. If it tastes bland, add more salt, pepper, or spices as needed to boost the flavor. Be sure to taste test your sauce regularly and adjust seasoning accordingly.
Fourthly, consider adding some protein-rich ingredients like lentils or mushrooms to make your sauce a more satisfying meal.
Fifthly, if you prefer a creamier sauce but don’t want to add dairy, choose nuts or tofu instead of heavy cream or cheese. Blending soaked cashews or almonds with water and adding them towards the end of cooking can give your sauce a creamy texture while keeping it vegan-friendly.
Lastly, let your sauce cool down a bit before blending it in a blender. Blending hot liquids in a blender can be dangerous as the heat can cause pressure buildup and lead to splatters. Instead, let your sauce cool for a few minutes then blend in small batches.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create an incredible vegetarian pasta sauce that is sure to impress anyone who tries it!
Bottom Line
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In conclusion, this vegetarian pasta sauce recipe is not only delicious but also packed with hidden veggies and a great alternative for those who are health-conscious or follow a plant-based diet. It is incredibly easy to make and versatile, allowing you to switch up the ingredients for variations that suit your palate.
By using quality and fresh ingredients like herbs, spices, vegetables, and good olive oil, you can create a perfect pasta dish that will leave your friends and family impressed every time.
So don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try and experiment with making it your own. I promise you won’t regret it! Enjoy the creamy vegan pasta or the mediterranean veggie pasta; trust me, they’re both heavenly. And who knows maybe one day soon, you’ll be able to prepare them as perfectly as Jamie Oliver would.
Vegetarian Pasta Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (19 ounce) can stewed tomatoes
- 1 medium onion
- 2 large garlic cloves
- 2 large carrots
- 2 large celery ribs
- 1 (12 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 medium green pepper
- 2 tablespoons basil
- 2 tablespoons oregano
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Chop all the vegetables.
- Saute onion and garlic in olive oil.
- Add the canned tomatoes and tomato paste.
- Add the remaining vegetables.
- Add all the seasonings.
- Let it come to a boil, and then let it simmer 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.