I still remember the first time I tried Jamie Oliver’s 7-veg sauce. I was in my tiny kitchen, unsure if I could actually pull off something so colorful and packed with vegetables. As soon as I took my first bite, I realized this wasn’t just a sauce. It was a celebration in a bowl. Every spoonful felt like a hug from the inside.
- This sauce is perfect for weeknight dinners or lazy weekends.
- It’s vibrant, healthy, and loaded with flavor without feeling heavy.
- It’s also a great way to get a rainbow of vegetables into your diet without anyone noticing the effort.
Jamie Oliver’s 7-veg Sauce Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s 7-veg sauce is one of those recipes that sounds simple but packs a punch. It’s based on seven core vegetables, simmered to create a rich, hearty sauce.
- The magic is in the slow cooking. Every vegetable contributes a layer of flavor.
- It’s versatile. Use it with pasta, as a base for lasagna, or even as a dip.
- The colors alone make it a dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients Needed
I remember opening my fridge and realizing I had to hunt for the exact veggies Jamie listed. It turned into a small adventure. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 medium carrots
- 2 sticks celery
- 1 onion
- 1 courgette (zucchini)
- 1 red pepper
- 1 yellow pepper
- 1 small butternut squash or pumpkin
- 2 cloves garlic
- 400g canned tomatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh herbs like basil or thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s 7-veg Sauce
I’ve had nights where I just chopped everything haphazardly, and it still turned out amazing. The steps are simple but require attention:
- Chop all vegetables into small, even pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic first. Sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Toss in carrots, celery, courgette, red and yellow peppers, and butternut squash. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Add canned tomatoes and a splash of water if needed.
- Simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Adjust flavors as needed.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
One of my favorite parts about this recipe is the science behind it.
- Carrots and peppers add natural sweetness. This balances the acidity of tomatoes.
- Garlic and onion release sulfur compounds that enhance savory flavors.
- Slow cooking releases natural pectins from vegetables, thickening the sauce naturally.
- Olive oil extracts fat-soluble flavors from the vegetables, making every bite richer.
Expert Tips
I learned a few things after making this sauce a dozen times:
- Always chop vegetables uniformly. This ensures even cooking.
- Don’t rush the simmer. Letting it cook slowly brings out deeper flavors.
- Taste as you go. Vegetables can vary in sweetness and water content.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Recipe Variations
I’ve experimented with this sauce countless times. Here are a few ideas:
- Add mushrooms for a more umami-rich sauce.
- Spice it up with chili flakes or smoked paprika.
- Blend half the sauce for a smoother texture, leaving the rest chunky.
- Toss in cooked lentils or beans for extra protein.
Final Words
Every time I make Jamie Oliver’s 7-veg sauce, it feels like I’m reconnecting with the joy of cooking. The smell, the colors, and the flavors remind me why I started experimenting in the kitchen in the first place.
- It’s simple, versatile, and incredibly satisfying.
- It’s a great dish to make ahead and store for the week.
- Most importantly, it proves that healthy cooking can also be deeply comforting.
FAQs
What Vegetables Are In Jamie Oliver’s 7-veg Sauce?
The sauce includes onions, carrots, celery, courgettes, aubergine, peppers, and tomatoes.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s 7-veg Sauce Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Is Jamie Oliver’s 7-veg Sauce Suitable For Vegans?
Yes, the 7-veg sauce is completely vegan and made without any animal products.