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Healthy Hidden Vegetable Tomato Sauce From Scratch Easy Homemade Recipe

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A nourishing and flavorful tomato sauce that cleverly hides vegetables for a smooth, velvety texture. Perfect for quick, healthy meals and picky eaters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 medium zucchini, chopped
  • 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup tightly packed spinach or kale, roughly chopped
  • 28 oz (800 g) canned crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano style)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • A handful fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water or vegetable broth

Instructions

  1. Rinse and chop the onion, carrots, zucchini, and red bell pepper into small, even pieces (about ½-inch chunks). Roughly chop the spinach or kale and set aside. This should take about 10 minutes.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add the carrots, zucchini, and red bell pepper. Stir to coat in oil and cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring often, until veggies start to soften and smell sweet. Add a splash of water or broth if sticking occurs.
  4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Add water or vegetable broth to loosen the sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Partially cover the pan and simmer on low for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once veggies are tender, transfer the sauce to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth and velvety. Add more broth or water if sauce is too thick.
  6. Return the blended sauce to the pan, stir in the chopped spinach or kale, and cook for another 5 minutes until greens wilt. Add balsamic vinegar and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Just before serving, stir in fresh basil leaves for bright flavor. Optionally, add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity if needed.

Notes

Do not rush sautéing onions and garlic to avoid bitterness. Blend cooked vegetables for best flavor and texture. Add fresh basil at the end to preserve aroma. Sauce freezes well in portions for up to 3 months. Optionally add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.

Nutrition

Keywords: healthy tomato sauce, hidden vegetables, homemade tomato sauce, easy tomato sauce, vegetable sauce, vegan tomato sauce, gluten-free tomato sauce

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/healthy-hidden-vegetable-tomato-sauce-from-scratch-easy-homemade-recipe/