Creating a homemade, flavorful tomato sauce can elevate any dish, from pasta to pizzas. This easy vegetarian tomato sauce recipe combines a variety of vegetables and herbs, simmering them to perfection to develop a rich and hearty flavor that’s sure to delight your taste buds. Perfect for meal prep, it can be stored in the freezer for a quick and delicious meal at any time.
Photos of Easy Vegetarian Tomato Sauce Recipe
While most ingredients in this recipe are common kitchen staples, there are a few you may need to pick up from the supermarket. Tomato paste is a key ingredient that adds depth and richness to the sauce. Whole tomatoes in a can are also essential, contributing to the sauce's texture and flavor. Be sure to grab fresh basil and oregano to enhance the sauce with vibrant, aromatic notes.
Ingredients For Easy Vegetarian Tomato Sauce Recipe
Olive oil: A healthy fat that helps to cook the vegetables and adds a smooth texture to the sauce.
Carrot: Adds natural sweetness and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Onion: Provides a savory base and depth of flavor.
Red bell pepper: Contributes sweetness and a slight smokiness.
Celery: Adds a subtle, earthy taste and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Garlic: Infuses the sauce with its distinct, aromatic flavor.
Oregano: A dried herb that adds a peppery, slightly bitter taste.
Basil: Brings a sweet, aromatic essence that complements the tomatoes.
Tomato paste: Concentrated tomatoes used to thicken and intensify the flavor of the sauce.
Whole tomato: Canned tomatoes that form the base of the sauce, offering a robust tomato flavor.
Water: Helps to achieve the desired consistency of the sauce.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the sauce.
Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and sharpness to the sauce.
One reader, Blaine Sarmiento says:
This easy vegetarian tomato sauce recipe is fantastic! The flavors are rich and well-balanced, and it’s so simple to make. Perfect for pasta or as a base for other dishes. Love that it’s freezer-friendly too!
Techniques Required for Making Vegetarian Tomato Sauce
How to chop vegetables: Explanation on how to chop carrots, onions, red bell peppers, celery, and garlic into uniform pieces for even cooking. How to caramelize vegetables: Explanation on cooking vegetables slowly over medium-high heat until they become golden brown and develop a sweet flavor. How to brown tomato paste: Explanation on stirring tomato paste into vegetables and cooking until it turns a deep, rich color to enhance the flavor. How to blend hot liquids safely: Explanation on using a blender or immersion blender to puree hot sauce without causing burns or spills. How to freeze sauce: Explanation on cooling the sauce completely, pouring it into freezer-safe bags, and storing it properly to avoid freezer burn. How to reheat frozen sauce: Explanation on adding water and reheating the sauce in a pot until it comes to a boil for use.
How To Make Easy Vegetarian Tomato Sauce
All of the flavorful and umami-rich taste of the classic tomato sauce but without the meat. This vegetarian tomato sauce is sweet with the right tanginess.
Serves:
Ingredients
- olive oil,to saute vegetables
- 2cupscarrot,chopped
- 4cupsonion,chopped
- 2cupsred bell pepper,chopped
- 2cupscelery,chopped
- 5clovesgarlic,sliced
- 2tbsporegano,dried
- 2tbspbasil,dried
- 1½cupstomato paste
- 8cupswhole tomato,peeled
- 2cupswater
- salt,to taste
- pepper,to taste
Instructions
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In a large pot at medium-high heat, add the olive oil and carrots to the pot. Cook the carrots for about 10 minutes until the ingredients start to brown slightly.
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Next add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, celery, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the pot and cook until the vegetables are caramelized and tender.
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Add the tomato paste, stir it into the vegetables, and allow the tomato paste to brown deeply.
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Add the canned tomatoes and water, bring the sauce to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer. Simmer the sauce for at least 1 hour.
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Add the sauce to a blender in batches or use an immersion blender to puree the sauce to your desired consistency.
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Let the sauce cool completely and then pour the sauce into freezer-safe bags. Place the bags into a leak-proof container/tray, and freeze for up to one month.
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Reheat the frozen sauce with ½ cup (120 ml) of water in a pot until it comes to a boil and then use as desired.
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Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 105.55kcal
- Fat: 4.19g
- Saturated Fat: 0.61g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.69g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.60g
- Carbohydrates: 16.62g
- Fiber: 5.38g
- Sugar: 9.48g
- Protein: 3.06g
- Sodium: 620.62mg
- Calcium: 81.94mg
- Potassium: 679.51mg
- Iron: 1.92mg
- Vitamin A: 203.57µg
- Vitamin C: 48.94mg
Key Technique for Perfecting This Tomato Sauce Recipe
When browning the tomato paste, make sure to stir constantly and allow it to develop a deep, rich color. This step enhances the overall flavor of the sauce by adding a layer of caramelized sweetness and depth.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Tomato Sauce Recipe
Pre-chop vegetables: Chop the carrots, onions, red bell peppers, and celery in advance and store them in the fridge.
Use canned tomatoes: Opt for canned whole tomatoes instead of fresh to save time on peeling and chopping.
Batch cook: Make a double batch of the sauce and freeze half for future use.
Immersion blender: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to save time on transferring batches to a blender.
Pre-measure spices: Measure out the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper before starting to streamline the cooking process.
Substitute Ingredients For Easy Vegetarian Tomato Sauce Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.
carrot - Substitute with butternut squash: Butternut squash provides a similar sweetness and texture.
onion - Substitute with leek: Leeks offer a milder, slightly sweeter flavor that works well in sauces.
red bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers have a similar sweetness and texture.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel adds a slight anise flavor and similar crunch.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweet flavor that complements sauces.
oregano - Substitute with thyme: Thyme offers a slightly different but complementary herbal flavor.
basil - Substitute with parsley: Parsley adds a fresh, slightly peppery flavor.
tomato paste - Substitute with pureed roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers provide a rich, concentrated flavor.
whole tomato - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes offer a similar consistency and flavor.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth adds additional depth of flavor.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce provides a similar salty flavor with added umami.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat with a slightly different flavor profile.
Best Way to Present This Vegetarian Tomato Sauce
Use high-quality ingredients: Select the freshest carrots, onions, red bell peppers, celery, garlic, and whole tomatoes. This ensures the flavors are vibrant and the sauce is rich.
Finely dice vegetables: Ensure all vegetables are uniformly diced. This not only helps in even cooking but also enhances the texture of the sauce.
Caramelize vegetables properly: Take your time to caramelize the carrots, onions, red bell peppers, and celery until they are tender and slightly browned. This step builds a deep, complex flavor base.
Brown the tomato paste: Allow the tomato paste to brown deeply in the pot. This step intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
Simmer for depth: Simmer the sauce for at least an hour. This slow cooking process melds the flavors together, creating a harmonious and rich tomato sauce.
Blend to desired consistency: Use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender in batches. Blend until you achieve your desired consistency, whether it be chunky or smooth.
Cool and store properly: Let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags. This prevents condensation and freezer burn, preserving the sauce's quality.
Reheat gently: When reheating, add ½ cup of water to the frozen sauce and bring it to a boil slowly. This ensures the sauce retains its rich flavor and smooth texture.
Garnish elegantly: When serving, garnish the sauce with a sprig of fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil. This adds a touch of elegance and enhances the presentation.
Serve with complementary dishes: Pair the tomato sauce with freshly made pasta, crusty bread, or as a base for other dishes. This showcases the versatility and depth of the sauce.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Vegetarian Tomato Sauce
Here are the detailed storing and freezing guidelines for the easy vegetarian tomato sauce recipe:
- Allow the sauce to cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container, which can lead to freezer burn or spoilage.
- For short-term storage, transfer the cooled sauce to an airtight container or jar with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- To freeze the sauce for longer storage:
- Portion the cooled sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving about an inch of headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
- If using freezer bags, remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Lay the bags flat in the freezer for easier storage and quicker thawing.
- Label the bags or containers with the date and amount of sauce for easy reference.
- Freeze the sauce for up to 6 months for best quality. After that, it will still be safe to eat but may lose some flavor and texture.
- To thaw frozen tomato sauce, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can thaw it in the microwave using the defrost setting, stirring every few minutes to ensure even thawing.
- Reheat the thawed sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little water or vegetable broth to thin it out.
- Do not refreeze previously frozen tomato sauce, as this can affect its texture and quality. If you have leftovers after thawing, store them in the refrigerator and use them within 3-4 days.
How To Reheat Leftover Tomato Sauce
To reheat leftover easy vegetarian tomato sauce recipe, the best method is to use a saucepan on the stovetop. Simply transfer the desired amount of sauce into a saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of water or vegetable broth to thin it out. Heat the sauce until it reaches your desired temperature, then serve it over your favorite pasta, zucchini noodles, or use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
Another option is to reheat the sauce in the microwave. Transfer the desired amount of sauce into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent splatters. Microwave the sauce in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
If you have frozen the easy vegetarian tomato sauce recipe, you can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it using one of the above methods. Alternatively, you can reheat the sauce directly from frozen by transferring it to a saucepan and heating it over low heat, stirring frequently until it thaws and reaches your desired temperature. This method may take longer, but it's a convenient option if you forget to thaw the sauce in advance.
For a quick and easy meal, you can also use leftover easy vegetarian tomato sauce recipe as a topping for pizza. Spread the sauce over a pre-baked pizza crust, add your favorite toppings, and bake the pizza in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Interesting Fact About Vegetarian Tomato Sauce
A fun fact about this vegetarian tomato sauce recipe is that it incorporates a variety of vegetables like carrots, onions, red bell peppers, and celery, which not only add depth of flavor but also boost the nutritional value of the sauce.
Is Making Tomato Sauce at Home Cost-Effective?
This vegetarian tomato sauce recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. Utilizing basic pantry staples like olive oil, carrots, onions, red bell peppers, and celery, it maximizes flavor without breaking the bank. The use of tomato paste and whole tomatoes ensures a rich, hearty sauce that can be frozen for future meals. Overall Verdict: 9/10. Approximate cost: $15 USD for a household of 4 people.
Is This Tomato Sauce Recipe Healthy?
This vegetarian tomato sauce recipe is a nutritious and wholesome choice, packed with an array of vegetables that provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The use of carrots, onions, red bell peppers, and celery creates a flavorful base while offering a variety of health benefits. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, supporting eye health and immune function. Onions and garlic contain antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, while red bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, which aids in collagen production and boosts immunity. The inclusion of herbs like oregano and basil not only enhances the flavor profile but also adds additional antioxidants to the sauce.
To further elevate the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for organic vegetables whenever possible to minimize exposure to pesticides and ensure maximum nutrient content
- Use a high-quality, cold-pressed olive oil to retain its beneficial monounsaturated fats and antioxidants
- Experiment with adding other nutrient-dense vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach, to boost the sauce's fiber and vitamin content
- Reduce the sodium content by using low-sodium canned tomatoes and adjusting the added salt to taste
- Incorporate whole grain pasta or zucchini noodles when serving the sauce to increase the dish's fiber and nutrient profile
Editor's Thoughts on This Vegetarian Tomato Sauce Recipe
This tomato sauce recipe is a robust and flavorful vegetarian option, perfect for pasta or as a base for other dishes. The combination of caramelized vegetables and herbs creates a rich depth of flavor. The use of tomato paste adds a concentrated tomato essence, while simmering the sauce for an hour ensures a well-developed taste. Blending the sauce provides a smooth texture, and freezing it in portions makes it convenient for future use. Overall, it's a versatile and practical recipe that balances simplicity with gourmet quality.
Enhance Your Easy Vegetarian Tomato Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try Besides Vegetarian Tomato Sauce
Why trust this Easy Vegetarian Tomato Sauce Recipe:
This recipe is a must-try because it uses fresh, wholesome ingredients like carrots, onions, and red bell peppers to create a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. The combination of oregano and basil adds a delightful herbal note, while the slow simmering process ensures a deep, complex taste. Plus, it's versatile and can be frozen for future use, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Trust this recipe for its simplicity, nutritional value, and the comforting, homemade taste it brings to your table.
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