Vegetable Spaghetti Sauce

Vegetable Spaghetti Sauce Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Servings: 6

Introduction

Vegetable spaghetti sauce is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional meat-based sauces. Packed with nutritious vegetables and bursting with flavor, this sauce is perfect for topping your favorite pasta dishes.

History

Vegetable spaghetti sauce has been a popular dish for many years, with variations found in cuisines around the world. This recipe is a simple and easy way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while still enjoying a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

1 brick of spinach
1 x 28 oz (794 g) can of crushed tomatoes
1 x 10 oz (283 g) bag of frozen green pepper
2 x 7 oz (198 g) cans of salt-free mushrooms
lots of dehydrated onion
garlic to taste
parsley to taste
italian seasoning to taste
a pinch of black pepper

How to prepare

Combine all the ingredients and simmer until the vegetables are tender.

Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers. You can also add cooked lentils or chickpeas for added protein.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of the sauce, be sure to sauté the vegetables before adding the tomatoes. This will help to caramelize the vegetables and bring out their natural sweetness. Additionally, be sure to season the sauce to taste with garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, and black pepper for a well-rounded flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the vegetable spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a finishing touch.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the sauce slowly over low heat will help to develop the flavors and create a rich and hearty sauce. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have frozen green peppers, you can use fresh peppers instead. You can also use fresh mushrooms instead of canned, if preferred.

Make Ahead Tips

This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the vegetable spaghetti sauce with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for a pop of color and flavor. Serve in a large bowl or platter for a family-style meal.

Pairing Recommendations

This sauce pairs well with a variety of pasta dishes, as well as crusty bread and a side salad. For a complete meal, serve with a glass of red wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of vegetable spaghetti sauce contains approximately 120 calories, making it a light and healthy option for a meal.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of vegetable spaghetti sauce contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates. This makes it a great option for those looking to incorporate more complex carbohydrates into their diet.

Fats

This sauce is low in fat, with only a small amount coming from the olive oil used to sauté the vegetables. Each serving contains approximately 3 grams of fat.

Proteins

While this sauce is vegetarian and does not contain any meat, it still provides a good source of protein from the mushrooms and spinach. Each serving contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Vegetable spaghetti sauce is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe is free of common allergens such as dairy, nuts, and gluten. However, be sure to check the labels of any canned or packaged ingredients for potential allergens.

Summary

Overall, vegetable spaghetti sauce is a nutritious and delicious option for a meal. Packed with vegetables, vitamins, and minerals, this sauce is a great way to add more plant-based foods to your diet.

Summary

Vegetable spaghetti sauce is a delicious and nutritious option for a meal. Packed with vegetables, vitamins, and minerals, this sauce is a great way to add more plant-based foods to your diet. Enjoy over your favorite pasta for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Vegetable Spaghetti Sauce. It was tucked away in an old, worn cookbook that had belonged to my own grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, I stumbled upon the handwritten recipe, complete with notes and adjustments that had been made over the years.

Growing up, my family always had a deep love for food and cooking. My grandmother, whom we lovingly called Nana, was the one who sparked my interest in the culinary arts. She had a way of turning simple ingredients into delicious dishes that brought our family together around the dinner table. Nana's kitchen was always filled with the warm aromas of simmering sauces and freshly baked bread.

I remember spending countless hours by her side, watching and learning as she cooked. She never followed a recipe exactly, always adding a pinch of this or a dash of that to suit her own taste. It was through her guidance and wisdom that I developed my own love for cooking and experimenting in the kitchen.

When I came across the recipe for Vegetable Spaghetti Sauce, I knew I had to give it a try. The combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and tomatoes seemed like the perfect way to capture the flavors of summer in a comforting and hearty sauce. I could almost imagine Nana smiling down on me as I gathered the ingredients and prepared to make the sauce for the first time.

The recipe called for a medley of vegetables, including bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. I took my time chopping and sautéing each ingredient, allowing the natural flavors to develop and meld together. As the vegetables softened and released their juices, I added in a generous amount of fresh garlic and herbs, infusing the sauce with a rich and aromatic aroma.

Next, I added in a can of crushed tomatoes and a splash of red wine, letting the sauce simmer and thicken on the stove. The vibrant colors and fragrant smells filled my kitchen, transporting me back to Nana's cozy cooking space. I could almost hear her humming a tune as she stirred her own pots of sauce on the stove.

As the sauce cooked, I couldn't resist sneaking a taste. The flavors were bright and bold, with a perfect balance of sweetness from the tomatoes and a subtle kick of heat from the garlic and herbs. I knew then that this recipe was a keeper, one that would surely become a staple in my own kitchen.

When the sauce was finally ready, I tossed it with al dente spaghetti noodles and topped it with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The first bite brought a flood of memories and emotions, reminding me of the love and passion that Nana had poured into her own cooking. I knew she would be proud to see me carrying on her legacy in my own kitchen.

Since that day, I have made Vegetable Spaghetti Sauce countless times, each batch slightly different from the last as I continue to experiment and make it my own. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on a piece of my own culinary heritage to those I love. And every time I make it, I feel Nana's presence in my kitchen, guiding me as I cook and create with the same joy and enthusiasm that she instilled in me.

In the end, this recipe for Vegetable Spaghetti Sauce is more than just a dish to me. It is a connection to my past, a reminder of the traditions and memories that have shaped me into the cook and person I am today. And for that, I am forever grateful.