Vegetarian Pasta Sauce

This slow-cooked vegetarian ragu combines garden vegetables, aromatic herbs and tomato passata to create a comfort dish packed with flavour. Mix through your favourite short pasta cooked al-dente for a restaurant-worthy weeknight meal that even meat-lovers will drool over.

The beauty of this dish is that you can use the vegetables you have in your garden or simply whatever you have left in the fridge, but no matter what, don’t skimp on the cheese, a key component to making this dish sing!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)
• Cooked pasta of your choice

Instructions:

1. Sauté Vegetables:
   • In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
2. Add Grated Carrot and Diced Zucchini:
   • Add grated carrot and diced zucchini to the pan. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add Bell Pepper:
   • Stir in diced bell pepper and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour in Crushed and Diced Tomatoes:
   • Pour in both crushed and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
5. Season:
   • Add dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to incorporate the seasonings.
6. Simmer:
   • Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for at least 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally.
7. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend it to your desired consistency.
8. Add Fresh Basil:
   • Just before serving, stir in fresh chopped basil for a burst of flavor.
9. Serve:
   • Serve the vegetarian pasta sauce over your favorite cooked pasta. Optionally, top with grated Parmesan cheese.
10. Enjoy:
    • Enjoy your hearty and delicious Vegetarian Pasta Sauce!