Growing up, I remember Sundays spent in the kitchen with my mom. The scent of garlic and tomatoes would waft through the house as we prepped for a family meal. It wasn’t just about cooking-it was about sharing stories, memories, and flavors that would stick with me for years. One of my favorite memories involves a rich tomato sauce we’d make together. It had all the right elements: tomatoes, garlic, a hint of sweetness, and depth from fresh herbs. But when I first came across Jamie Oliver’s Veg Tomato Sauce recipe, I was struck by how simple yet flavorful it was.
It’s one of those dishes that hits the spot every time, and it’s incredibly versatile. You can pour it over pasta, use it as a base for pizza, or simply dip a piece of crusty bread into it. It has everything I love in a sauce-comfort, depth, and an unexpected boost from vegetables you might not expect.
Jamie Oliver’s Veg Tomato Sauce Recipe
This is Jamie Oliver’s take on a vegetable-packed tomato sauce, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer. I love how he brings in vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery to create layers of flavor that elevate the sauce beyond the usual tomato base. And since it’s packed with veggies, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrition, especially for picky eaters (yes, even adults can be picky). Here’s how Jamie keeps it simple but full of flavor:
- Flavor-packed: Fresh, roasted veggies combine with the richness of tomatoes.
- Flexible: You can swap veggies based on what’s in season or what you prefer.
- Freezable: Make a big batch, freeze it, and you’ll have a delicious base for meals anytime.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make Jamie’s Veg Tomato Sauce:
- Olive oil: A good drizzle to get things started. You can also use vegetable oil if you prefer.
- Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and earthiness.
- Celery: A perfect flavor base that adds a subtle savory note.
- Onion: The backbone of any sauce-sweet, caramelized, and rich.
- Garlic: For that aromatic kick.
- Canned tomatoes: The heart of the sauce-go for whole peeled tomatoes or chopped ones.
- Herbs: Fresh basil, oregano, or thyme (whichever you prefer).
- Sugar: A pinch to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning.
- Balsamic vinegar: A secret ingredient that adds a sweet, tangy finish.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Veg Tomato Sauce
The method Jamie uses is straightforward, yet it creates such a depth of flavor. Here’s how you can make it:
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Prepare The Veggies
Start by chopping the carrots, celery, and onion into small pieces. The more uniform your cuts, the better everything will cook evenly.
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Sauté The Veggies
In a large pan, heat up some olive oil. Add the onions first, sautéing them until they become soft and translucent. Then add the carrots and celery, cooking them for about 10 minutes. You want them to get soft and slightly caramelized. The sweetness from the caramelized veggies is key to the sauce.
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Add Garlic
Mince your garlic and toss it in with the veggies. Sauté for another minute or two until it releases its fragrant aroma.
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Add Tomatoes And Seasoning
Now add your canned tomatoes to the pan. If you’re using whole tomatoes, crush them with a wooden spoon. Add a pinch of sugar, some salt, and pepper. Stir everything to combine, and bring it to a simmer.
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Simmer And Add Vinegar
Let the sauce simmer gently for at least 30 minutes (the longer, the better). Halfway through, add a dash of balsamic vinegar for that sweet tang. It gives the sauce complexity that’s hard to beat.
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Blend (Optional)
If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the sauce with an immersion blender. If you like it chunky, skip this step.
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Serve And Enjoy
Now that your sauce is rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced, it’s ready to be paired with pasta, pizza, or anything you desire.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Each ingredient in this sauce plays a critical role in creating that perfect balance of flavors. Let’s break it down:
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is rich in healthy fats, which help carry the flavors of the other ingredients and enhance their taste.
- Carrots: These provide sweetness, which balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Carrots also have a high level of beta-carotene, which is great for your skin and eyesight.
- Celery: It adds a savory, umami flavor thanks to natural glutamates. It’s the backbone of many sauces for its ability to bring out other flavors without standing out too much.
- Onions: They add sweetness and depth. When caramelized, onions release natural sugars, which contribute to the sauce’s rich flavor.
- Garlic: Garlic is a flavor powerhouse. It contains allicin, which has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
- Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, a potent antioxidant, tomatoes are the heart of this sauce. They provide the tanginess and body that the sauce needs.
- Balsamic Vinegar: The vinegar introduces a subtle sweetness and acidity, giving the sauce a more refined taste.
Expert Tips
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or thyme make a world of difference in flavor. If you’re out of fresh herbs, dried herbs work, but fresh is always the way to go.
- Low and Slow: Letting the sauce simmer gently helps develop a deeper flavor. Don’t rush it!
- Roast Your Veggies: For even more depth, you can roast the vegetables before adding them to the sauce. This caramelizes them further and brings out their sweetness.
- Don’t Skip the Sugar: A tiny pinch of sugar does wonders in balancing out the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Make Extra: This sauce freezes beautifully. Make a double batch and stash it away for those nights when you need a quick and comforting meal.
Recipe Variations
One of the great things about Jamie’s Veg Tomato Sauce is that it’s endlessly adaptable:
- Add More Veggies: Throw in some zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a more robust sauce.
- Spicy Kick: If you like heat, add some red chili flakes or a chopped chili.
- Cheese: Stir in some grated Parmesan for a creamy, cheesy finish.
- Smoky Flavor: Add a bit of smoked paprika to give the sauce a smoky depth.
Final Words
Making Jamie Oliver’s Veg Tomato Sauce is like crafting a dish that reflects your own unique taste. It’s simple, flexible, and, most importantly, delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need a cozy meal on a quiet evening, this sauce hits the spot. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce more veggies into your meals without feeling like you’re eating “health food”.
FAQs
What Vegetables Are Used In Jamie Oliver’s Veg Tomato Sauce?
Jamie uses a mix of onions, carrots, celery, and bell peppers to give the sauce rich flavor and texture.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Veg Tomato Sauce Ahead Of Time?
Yes! The sauce stores well in the fridge for a few days or can be frozen for later use.
Is Jamie Oliver’s Veg Tomato Sauce Spicy?
No, it’s not really spicy. The sauce has a gentle, savory flavor from the vegetables and herbs.