Getting more vegetables into family meals doesn’t have to be a struggle, and this Veggie Pasta Sauce makes it easy. Loaded with onions, celery, leeks, carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini, this sauce cooks slowly to develop rich flavor and then blends into a smooth, comforting sauce. It’s ideal for kids, picky eaters, and anyone looking for healthy, veggie-packed meals that still taste great.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onions, finely chopped | 2 |
| Garlic, minced | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried Italian herbs | 2 teaspoons |
| Celery stalks, finely chopped | 3 |
| Leeks, finely chopped | 2 |
| Carrots, finely chopped | 2 |
| Red bell peppers, finely chopped | 2 |
| Zucchini, finely chopped | 1 |
| Crushed tomatoes | 2 (28 oz) cans |
| Tomato paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Stock or broth | 2 cups |
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 8 cups
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Smooth veggie-packed pasta sauce made with six different vegetables, perfect for picky eaters and healthy family meals.
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
2 onions, finely chopped
1 tsp minced garlic
2 tsp dried Italian herbs
3 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 leeks, finely chopped
2 carrots, finely chopped
2 red bell peppers, finely chopped
1 zucchini, finely chopped
2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
2 cups stock or broth
Instructions
1. Sauté onions, garlic, and herbs in olive oil.
2. Add all vegetables and cook until soft.
3. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, and stock.
4. Simmer to develop flavor.
5. Blend until smooth and cool before storing.
Notes
Great for picky eaters.
Freeze in portions for easy meals.
Use as pasta or pizza sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Step-by-Step Instructions and Helpful Tips
Step 1
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and dried Italian herbs. Stir for a couple of minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
Helpful tip: Keep the heat moderate so the garlic doesn’t brown.
Step 2
Add the celery, leeks, carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are very soft but not browned.
Helpful tip: Soft vegetables blend into a smoother sauce.
Step 3
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for another 20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Helpful tip: Simmering uncovered helps thicken the sauce naturally.
Step 4
Allow the sauce to cool slightly, then blend until smooth using a blender or immersion blender. Taste and season as needed. Let the sauce cool completely before storing.
Helpful tip: Skip seasoning if making the sauce for babies.
Conclusion
This Veggie Pasta Sauce is a simple, delicious way to add more vegetables to meals without complaints. Smooth, flavorful, and incredibly versatile, it works beautifully with pasta, pizza, casseroles, and more, making it a must-have recipe for families and picky eaters alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this sauce good for picky eaters?
Yes, the vegetables are fully blended into a smooth sauce.
Can I freeze this sauce?
Yes, it freezes well in airtight containers or zip-top bags.
What can I serve it with?
Use it with pasta, lasagna, pizza, or baked dishes.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes, simply use vegetable broth.