There’s nothing quite like the rich, savory flavors of a homemade vegetable sauce. Our Roasted and Ready Vegetable Sauce is a delightful recipe that combines the goodness of fresh vegetables with the deep, caramelized taste of roasting. This sauce is inspired by traditional Italian cooking, where roasting vegetables enhances their natural sweetness and adds complexity to the dish. Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, spreading it over pizza, or using it as a base for soups, this sauce is versatile, healthy, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
For this flavorful Roasted and Ready Vegetable Sauce recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 large tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and quartered
- 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and quartered
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 medium eggplant, cubed
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a hint of heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for a creamy finish)
Instructions
Preparing the Vegetables
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Arrange the Vegetables: Place the halved tomatoes, quartered bell peppers, sliced zucchini, cubed eggplant, quartered onion, and peeled garlic cloves on the baking sheet.
- Season the Vegetables: Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes over the top.
- Roast the Vegetables: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred. Stir halfway through to ensure even roasting.
Making the Sauce
- Blend the Vegetables: Once the vegetables are roasted, allow them to cool slightly. Transfer them to a blender or food processor.
- Add Fresh Basil: Add the chopped fresh basil leaves to the blender.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend the vegetables until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, pulse the mixture to your desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
- Finish with Parmesan: If using, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, creamier texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your roasted and ready vegetable sauce over pasta, as a pizza base, or as a dip with crusty bread. It’s also perfect as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
Tips and Variations
- Creamy Sauce for Roasted Vegetables: For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese while blending.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or squash to enhance the flavor profile.
- Spice It Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Make It Vegan: Omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version.
- Meal Prep: This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to three months, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
Our Roasted and Ready Vegetable Sauce is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor and nutrients. Roasting the vegetables before adding them to the sauce deepens their flavors and brings out their natural sweetness. This sauce is the best answer to the question, “Which sauce is best for vegetables?” It’s a great addition to any meal and is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious recipe.