meatless spaghetti sauce recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best meatless spaghetti sauce recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my family’s favorite meatless spaghetti sauce recipe. This recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion like a holiday or birthday party. My kids love helping me cook it, and they always get excited when they smell the aroma of simmering tomatoes and herbs filling the kitchen.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it a great option for busy families or those on a tight budget. As an added bonus, this recipe is also packed with nutrients and antioxidants from the tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and lycopene, which has been shown to have numerous health benefits.

By using canned tomatoes, we can enjoy the benefits of fresh tomatoes year-round without the hassle of preserving them. The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients, especially the tomatoes. Look for San Marzano or other similar varieties for the best flavor.

You can also customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences. My family loves adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat. One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is.

You can serve it over spaghetti, use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or veggies, or even as a topping for baked potatoes or salads. The possibilities are endless! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!

It’s a true family favorite that never fails to impress.

Meatless Spaghetti Sauce

4.6 from 1929 votes

A rich, hearty tomato sauce packed with vegetables and herbs. It is perfect for a vegetarian spaghetti night.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time60 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 150 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sauce

2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium carrot, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

For Serving

8 oz spaghetti pasta
grated Parmesan cheese
fresh basil leaves

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery.
3Stir to combine and cook for 5-7 minutes, until vegetables are softened and onions are translucent.
4Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5Stir well to combine.
6Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
7Let it cook for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
8Stir in fresh basil and parsley.
9Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the herbs are fragrant.
10Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
11While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
12Reserve some pasta water before draining.
13Toss the cooked spaghetti with the meatless sauce, adding a little pasta water if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
14Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

🔧Equipment

Large saucepan
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Colander
Pot for pasta
Pasta spoon
Bowls
Plates

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 150 kcal🧈Total Fat: 5g💛Saturated Fat: 0.5g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 500mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika. For a spicier sauce, increase the red pepper flakes. To make the sauce even more robust, add a splash of red wine during cooking.

Watch Video Of How Meatless Spaghetti Sauce Works

This meatless spaghetti sauce recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need something quick and easy on a weeknight. My family loves how versatile it is – we use it as a dipping sauce, as a topping for baked potatoes or salads, or even just serve it over spaghetti with some crusty bread on the side.

And let’s not forget about all those nutrients packed into those juicy tomatoes – vitamin C, lycopene, antioxidants galore! It’s truly a win-win all around.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Meatless Spaghetti Sauce

Q: What type of tomatoes should I use?

A: For this recipe, look for high-quality canned tomatoes like San Marzano or similar varieties. They have a sweeter and less acidic flavor than other types of tomatoes.

Q: Can I make this recipe with fresh tomatoes?

A: While you can use fresh tomatoes in place of canned ones, keep in mind that they will require more time and effort to prepare and cook down to achieve the same consistency as canned tomatoes.

Q: How long does this sauce take to make?

A: This sauce is incredibly quick to prepare – just 15-20 minutes from start to finish! The longest part is waiting for it to simmer down and reduce slightly.

Q: Can I store leftover sauce in the fridge?

A: Yes, you can store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for later use. Just be sure to let it come back to room temperature before reheating.

Q: What if I don’t have any fresh herbs on hand?

A: No worries! You can omit them or substitute with dried herbs like basil or oregano if you don’t have fresh ones available.

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