Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce

By Dani Potts | January 28, 2025

Total time: 95 mins, Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 8 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 large carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
  • 16 Roma tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons dried oregano
  • 1 Tablespoon dried basil, or 6-8 leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 3-4 medium summer squash or zucchini, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Cook onion and garlic: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until translucent, about 6–8 minutes.
  2. Cook celery and carrots: Add the chopped celery and carrots to the pot, along with 1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Lower the heat if necessary and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes.
  3. Add remaining vegetables: Increase the heat to medium-high and stir in the chopped tomatoes, zucchini, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
  4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for about 1 hour, stirring every 10 minutes. If the sauce starts to stick, add a bit of water.
  5. Blend the sauce: Use a regular or immersion blender to blend the vegetables until smooth. For a chunkier sauce, use quick pulses to achieve the desired consistency.
  6. Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. Serve immediately or let cool.
  7. Storage: This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the freezer.

Image Credit: https://www.theconsciousplantkitchen.com/hidden-veg-pasta-sauce/

BENEFITS

Tomatoes are a nutrient-packed powerhouse that can enhance any meal. Rich in vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants like lycopene, they support heart health, immune function, and glowing skin. Lycopene, a pigment responsible for their vibrant red hue, has been linked to reduced risk of certain cancers and better eye health. Cooking tomatoes increase lycopene bioavailability, so enjoy them in soups, sauces, or roasted dishes for maximum benefits.