Jamie Oliver’s Veg Tomato Sauce Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Veg Tomato Sauce is a flavorful and healthy alternative to traditional pasta sauces, combining fresh vegetables with rich tomato goodness, making it a perfect choice for those seeking to boost their vegetable intake without compromising on taste.
What Is Jamie Oliver’s Veg Tomato Sauce
Jamie Oliver’s Veg Tomato Sauce is a vibrant and nutritious tomato-based sauce enriched with a variety of fresh vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery. The sauce is designed to be a wholesome, hearty option for dishes like pasta, lasagna, or even as a base for stews and soups.
This recipe is a great way to sneak in more vegetables into your diet, especially for picky eaters, all while providing a burst of flavor. It’s simple, quick to make, and incredibly versatile, fitting into a variety of meals, whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal.
Jamie Oliver’s Veg Tomato Sauce Recipe
Ingredients Needed
To make Jamie Oliver’s Veg Tomato Sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
- Olive oil – A couple of tablespoons to sauté the vegetables and create a rich, aromatic base.
- Carrots – Two medium-sized, finely chopped to add sweetness and color.
- Celery – One or two stalks, chopped for a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Onion – One large, finely chopped for a savory depth of flavor.
- Garlic – A few cloves, minced, to bring that familiar, aromatic pungency to the sauce.
- Tomatoes – Fresh tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) to form the base of the sauce. You’ll need around 5-6 medium tomatoes or a large tin of chopped tomatoes.
- Vegetable stock – A cup or so, to add liquid and richness to the sauce.
- Tomato puree – A tablespoon for extra tomato intensity and consistency.
- Herbs – A mix of fresh basil, oregano, and thyme adds depth and a fragrant note. Dried herbs work too if fresh aren’t available.
- Salt and pepper – To season the sauce to taste.
- A pinch of sugar (optional) – To balance acidity, especially if using canned tomatoes.
Equipment Needed
The equipment needed is simple and minimal:
- Chopping board and knife – For chopping vegetables.
- Large frying pan or sauté pan – To cook the vegetables and sauce.
- Wooden spoon – To stir and ensure even cooking of the sauce.
- Blender or food processor (optional) – If you prefer a smoother texture for your sauce, a quick blitz with a blender can help.
- Measuring spoons – For accuracy when adding herbs, salt, and sugar.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Veg Tomato Sauce?
- Prepare the vegetables: Start by finely chopping your onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. This will ensure they cook evenly and blend well into the sauce.
- Cook the base: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for about 5 minutes, until they soften and become translucent. Then add the carrots, celery, and garlic, cooking for another 5-7 minutes until everything is soft and fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and stock: Once the vegetables are tender, add in the chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned tomatoes), tomato puree, and vegetable stock. Bring it all to a simmer. The tomatoes will break down, releasing their juices into the pan.
- Season the sauce: Stir in the herbs (basil, oregano, thyme), and add salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar (if using). Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened and the flavors meld together.
- Blend if desired: If you prefer a smoother sauce, use a blender or food processor to purée the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the sauce with your favorite pasta, on pizza, or as a base for other dishes. The sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 4-5 days or frozen for longer storage.
Expert Tips
- For a richer sauce: Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar during the cooking process to bring extra depth and complexity to the flavor.
- Make it spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, toss in a pinch of red chili flakes or a finely chopped fresh chili when cooking the vegetables.
- Roast the vegetables: For an even more intense flavor, you can roast the vegetables in the oven before adding them to the pan. This caramelizes their sugars, adding a deeper sweetness to the sauce.
- Double the recipe: This sauce freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch. That way, you’ll always have a healthy sauce on hand when you’re in a pinch for a quick meal.
- Add protein: You can easily turn this into a more substantial dish by adding ground meat (chicken, turkey, or beef) or plant-based protein like lentils or chickpeas.
Jamie Oliver’s Veg Tomato Sauce is a fantastic recipe for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful, healthy, and versatile sauce. It’s not only packed with the goodness of vegetables but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, using it in a veggie lasagna, or as a base for soups, this sauce offers a delicious way to get more vegetables into your diet without compromising on flavor. And with a few extra touches, you can customize it to suit your taste perfectly.
Easy Recipe Variations For Jamie Oliver’s Veg Tomato Sauce
Jamie Oliver’s Veg Tomato Sauce is a delicious, hearty base that can be customized in numerous ways. The beauty of this sauce lies in its versatility, making it suitable for everything from pasta dishes to pizza toppings, and even as a dip for bread. Here are a few easy recipe variations that you can try:
1. Spicy Veg Tomato Sauce
For those who love a bit of heat, adding chili peppers or red pepper flakes to the sauce can bring an exciting kick. Simply slice up a fresh red chili or two (depending on your spice tolerance) and sauté it along with the onions. You can also add a teaspoon of chili powder or smoked paprika to intensify the flavor.
2. Herb-Infused Veg Tomato Sauce
While Jamie’s recipe likely uses basil, you can expand the flavor profile by experimenting with other herbs. Try adding oregano, thyme, rosemary, or even a touch of bay leaves for depth. A handful of fresh parsley or a sprinkle of dried mixed herbs will enhance the aroma, giving your sauce an aromatic edge.
3. Veggie-Packed Tomato Sauce
If you want to add more nutrients to your sauce, consider mixing in additional vegetables. Grated carrots or zucchini are a great way to boost the veggie content without compromising the sauce’s texture. Mushrooms can be sautéed along with the onions to add a rich, umami flavor, and bell peppers can introduce a subtle sweetness.
4. Smoky Veg Tomato Sauce
For a deeper, richer flavor, smoked paprika and a touch of liquid smoke will give your tomato sauce an irresistible smoky undertone. Alternatively, you can grill the vegetables (onions, peppers, or even tomatoes) before blending them into the sauce, which will impart a natural smokiness.
5. Creamy Veg Tomato Sauce
If you love creamy sauces, simply stir in some heavy cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking. This variation will provide a silky, smooth texture, making it a perfect choice for pasta dishes like lasagna or creamy tomato pasta.
6. Vegan Veg Tomato Sauce
For a vegan-friendly option, make sure to leave out any dairy products such as butter or cheese. You can instead use olive oil for sautéing and nutritional yeast to give the sauce a cheesy, umami flavor. You can also throw in some vegan sausage or lentils for protein.
Best Practices To Store Leftovers
Storing leftover Veg Tomato Sauce correctly will ensure its freshness and flavor are maintained. Follow these best practices for optimal results:
1. Cool The Sauce Before Storing
Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before storing it. This prevents condensation, which can create a soggy texture and promote bacterial growth. If you’re in a hurry, you can divide the sauce into smaller portions, which will help it cool down faster.
2. Use Airtight Containers
Store the sauce in an airtight container to prevent air from getting in and drying it out. Glass jars or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids are perfect for this. Make sure the lid is securely sealed to avoid spillage and preserve the sauce’s flavor.
3. Refrigeration
You can store the Veg Tomato Sauce in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. If you plan on consuming it sooner, it’s best to keep it in the fridge. Be sure to label the container with the date it was made, so you know how long it’s been stored.
4. Freezing Leftovers
For long-term storage, freezing the sauce is a great option. Transfer the cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags.
If using freezer bags, press out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. The sauce can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw the sauce in the fridge overnight or heat it directly on the stove.
5. Reheating
When reheating leftover Veg Tomato Sauce, heat it gently over low-medium heat to prevent burning. You may need to add a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much during storage.
What Goes Well With Veg Tomato Sauce?
Veg Tomato Sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of dishes. Here are some of the best foods that complement its rich and savory flavors:
1. Pasta
Perhaps the most classic pairing, pasta and tomato sauce are a match made in heaven. From spaghetti to penne, rigatoni to fusilli, any type of pasta works wonderfully with Jamie Oliver’s Veg Tomato Sauce. You can toss the pasta in the sauce directly or serve it as a topping.
2. Pizza
This Veg Tomato Sauce makes an excellent pizza base. Spread it over a pizza dough, top with your favorite veggies (like mushrooms, onions, bell peppers), and add some mozzarella for a simple, delicious homemade pizza.
3. Grilled Vegetables
Roasted or grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers pair perfectly with Veg Tomato Sauce. The sauce acts as a flavorful dip or topping for the charred, smoky vegetables.
4. Stuffed Vegetables
Try using Veg Tomato Sauce as a base for dishes like stuffed bell peppers, zucchini, or tomatoes. You can stuff these vegetables with grains, beans, or a mix of vegetables, and then pour the tomato sauce over the top before baking.
5. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
The tangy, savory flavor of Veg Tomato Sauce is a fantastic dip for a crispy, gooey grilled cheese sandwich. The combo of creamy cheese and the rich, herby tomato sauce is a comforting meal everyone will enjoy.
6. Meatballs Or Veggie Balls
Whether you’re making meatballs or veggie balls, pairing them with Veg Tomato Sauce creates a hearty and satisfying meal. Pour the sauce over the top of the meatballs, serve with pasta or crusty bread for an extra hearty dinner.
Conclusion
Jamie Oliver’s Veg Tomato Sauce is a versatile and delicious base that can be enjoyed in countless ways. With a few simple modifications, it can easily be turned into a spicy, smoky, or creamy sauce to suit different tastes.
Leftover sauce can be stored properly in the fridge or freezer to ensure it lasts for several days or months. When it comes to pairing, this sauce goes wonderfully with pasta, pizza, grilled veggies, and much more. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and rich flavor make it a must-have in any kitchen.
FAQs
What Are The Main Ingredients For Jamie Oliver’s Vegetable Tomato Sauce?
The key ingredients for Jamie Oliver’s vegetable tomato sauce include ripe tomatoes, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, olive oil, fresh herbs like basil or oregano, and seasoning such as salt and pepper.
How Long Does It Take To Prepare Jamie Oliver’s Vegetable Tomato Sauce?
It generally takes around 15-20 minutes to prepare the ingredients for Jamie Oliver’s vegetable tomato sauce. The cooking time is approximately 40-45 minutes.
Can I Use Canned Tomatoes For Jamie Oliver’s Vegetable Tomato Sauce?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes, preferably whole tomatoes or chopped tomatoes, for Jamie Oliver’s vegetable tomato sauce. Fresh tomatoes are ideal, but canned tomatoes work well as a substitute.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Vegetable Tomato Sauce Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare Jamie Oliver’s vegetable tomato sauce ahead of time. It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What Vegetables Can I Add To Jamie Oliver’s Vegetable Tomato Sauce?
Besides the basic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery, you can experiment by adding bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture of the sauce.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Vegetable Tomato Sauce Spicier?
To make the sauce spicier, you can add chili flakes, fresh chilies, or a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking. Adjust the heat according to your preference.
Is Jamie Oliver’s Vegetable Tomato Sauce Vegan?
Yes, Jamie Oliver’s vegetable tomato sauce is vegan-friendly, as it does not contain any animal-derived ingredients.
How Can I Thicken Jamie Oliver’s Vegetable Tomato Sauce?
To thicken the sauce, you can simmer it longer to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can blend part of the sauce to create a thicker consistency.
Can I Use Jamie Oliver’s Vegetable Tomato Sauce As A Pizza Sauce?
Yes, Jamie Oliver’s vegetable tomato sauce works well as a pizza sauce. Its rich, tomato flavor and chunky texture make it a great base for pizzas.
What Dishes Can I Use Jamie Oliver’s Vegetable Tomato Sauce For?
Jamie Oliver’s vegetable tomato sauce is versatile and can be used for pasta dishes, lasagna, pizza, or as a base for stews and soups.