I’ll never forget the first time I made Jamie Oliver’s Veg Tomato Sauce. It was a cold, rainy afternoon, and I was craving something warm, comforting, and healthy. I stumbled upon the recipe and thought, why not? I had a bunch of fresh veggies and some ripe tomatoes lying around, so I dove in.
I remember being surprised by how easy it was. Within 30 minutes, I had this vibrant, rich sauce simmering away in my kitchen, and the whole house smelled amazing. The best part? It was packed with veggies, which meant I was feeding myself something nutritious while satisfying my cravings.
Ever since then, this Veg Tomato Sauce has become my go-to whenever I need a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal. It’s so versatile too. You can use it with pasta, as a pizza base, or even as a dip. I’m sure you’ll find your own ways to love it!
Jamie Oliver’s Veg Tomato Sauce Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Veg Tomato Sauce is an incredible, flavor-packed dish that combines simple ingredients and layers of goodness. What I love about it is how flexible it is – you can tweak it to suit your taste or use up whatever veggies are hanging around in your fridge.
Here’s The Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Serves: 4
The key to this sauce is that it highlights the vegetables while letting the tomatoes do their thing. It’s vegan, healthy, and comforting all at once.
Ingredients Needed
The beauty of this recipe is that you don’t need a fancy shopping list. You probably have most of these ingredients already. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Olive oil: The base of your sauce, adds richness and flavor.
- Onion: Sweet and aromatic, it’s the building block of many great sauces.
- Carrot: Adds sweetness and depth.
- Celery: Brings a bit of crunch and adds to the veggie medley.
- Garlic: For that aromatic punch that brings the whole dish together.
- Tinned tomatoes: The heart of the sauce. You want good quality, whole peeled tomatoes for the best texture.
- Fresh thyme: The herby touch that elevates the flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Basic but essential for balancing the flavors.
- Sugar (optional): A tiny pinch can help counteract the acidity of the tomatoes if you like a slightly sweeter sauce.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Veg Tomato Sauce
I’ll walk you through the steps, and trust me, this is super easy:
- Prepare the veggies: Dice the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. It doesn’t have to be perfect – you’re blending it all at the end.
- Heat olive oil: In a large pan, heat a good drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the veggies: Add the onion, carrot, and celery to the pan. Let them soften for 5-7 minutes. The fragrance of these vegetables cooking together is honestly amazing.
- Add garlic and thyme: Toss in the garlic and fresh thyme, cooking for another 2 minutes. This is when things start to smell incredible.
- Add tomatoes: Pour in your tinned tomatoes. Break them up with a wooden spoon and stir everything together.
- Simmer: Season with salt and pepper. If you want to add sugar, now’s the time. Let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens up.
- Blend (optional): For a smoother sauce, use a hand blender or transfer to a blender. If you like a chunkier texture, leave it as is.
- Serve: Once the sauce is thick and rich, it’s ready! Pour it over pasta, use it as a base for pizza, or dip some crusty bread in it.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
What makes this sauce so special isn’t just the taste – it’s the science behind the ingredients. Let’s take a look:
- Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps fight oxidative stress. Cooking tomatoes actually increases the availability of lycopene, making this sauce even better for you.
- Olive oil: Packed with monounsaturated fats, olive oil helps to absorb the fat-soluble vitamins from the veggies, like Vitamin A from the carrots and Vitamin K from the celery.
- Onions and garlic: These contain sulfur compounds, which have been shown to support the immune system and promote gut health.
- Carrots and celery: Full of fiber, which aids digestion, and beta-carotene, an important antioxidant for skin and eye health.
So, you’re not just making a tasty sauce – you’re building a dish that’s packed with nutrients and health benefits.
Expert Tips
- Cook it longer for deeper flavor: If you have the time, let the sauce simmer for an hour or more. The flavors deepen, and it becomes even more savory.
- Use fresh tomatoes: If it’s tomato season, fresh tomatoes will elevate this sauce to a whole new level. Just peel, chop, and add them in place of canned tomatoes.
- Add a splash of red wine: If you’re feeling fancy, a splash of red wine adds depth and a slightly tangy flavor to the sauce.
- Freeze leftovers: This sauce freezes beautifully. Make a double batch and stash some away for later.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Veg Tomato Sauce: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or some fresh chopped chili to give the sauce a little heat.
- Herb variation: You can swap thyme for basil or oregano depending on what flavors you’re after.
- Roast the veggies: Try roasting the onions, carrots, and celery for a caramelized, smoky flavor before adding them to the sauce.
- Add more veggies: You can sneak in other veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.
Final Words
Every time I make this sauce, it feels like I’m hitting a reset button. It’s a reminder of how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this Veg Tomato Sauce never disappoints. It’s healthy, it’s comforting, and it’s full of flavor.
FAQs
What Vegetables Are Used In Jamie Oliver’s Veg Tomato Sauce?
The sauce uses onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and a mix of herbs like basil and oregano.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Veg Tomato Sauce Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for a few days or freeze it for longer storage.
How Can I Make The Sauce Spicier?
Add chili flakes or fresh chilies when cooking the sauce for a spicy kick.