Rustic Garden Spaghetti Sauce

Name: Rustic Garden Spaghetti Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 1 zucchini, chopped; 28 oz can crushed tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped; Parmesan cheese, for serving

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 30 min

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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Welcome to a delightful culinary journey with our Rustic Garden Spaghetti Sauce. This vibrant sauce brings the garden to your table, packed with fresh veggies and aromatic herbs. Perfect for any season, this sauce will elevate your pasta night to a whole new level.

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Ingredients for Rustic Garden Spaghetti Sauce

Olive oil is your flavor foundation, adding richness to the sautéed vegetables. Onion and garlic form the aromatic base, infusing the sauce with depth. The trio of red bell pepper, carrots, and zucchini offers a sweet contrast and a nutritional boost. The heart of the sauce, crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, bring that classic tomato flavor we all crave. Herbs like dried oregano and basil add an Italian flair, while red pepper flakes give a subtle heat. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves lightens and brightens the whole dish. And don't forget the Parmesan cheese for that savory finish!

Tips & Tricks

For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender before adding fresh basil.
If you like more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
Use the freshest vegetables available for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Rustic Garden Spaghetti Sauce pairs beautifully with whole-grain spaghetti or your favorite gluten-free pasta. Consider serving it alongside garlic bread or a crisp green salad. A nice glass of Chianti complements the flavors perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this sauce?: Yes, it freezes well for up to three months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing it in airtight containers.
What other vegetables can I use?: Feel free to experiment with mushrooms, eggplant, or spinach. Adjust cooking times as needed for each.
Is this sauce vegetarian?: Absolutely! It's a hearty, satisfying vegetarian sauce.

Rustic Garden Spaghetti Sauce Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once warm, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until the onion becomes translucent; this should take about 5 minutes and releases an irresistible aroma.

Next, add the red bell pepper, diced carrots, and chopped zucchini. Cook them together, stirring occasionally, until they become tender. This step usually takes another 5–7 minutes.

Now, stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 30 minutes, stirring every so often to ensure it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot.

After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Just before serving, stir in the fresh basil leaves for a pop of freshness. Serve it hot over your favorite pasta, with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Loaded with fresh vegetables for a wholesome meal.
Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable with your favorite seasonal produce.
Packs a flavor punch with simple, pantry-staple spices.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, chopped

2 carrots, diced

1 zucchini, chopped

28 oz can crushed tomatoes

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Parmesan cheese, for serving

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.

3. Add red bell pepper, carrots, and zucchini, and cook until tender.

4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.