Sneaky Tomato Sauce
Transform your meals with Sneaky Tomato Sauce, a nutritious and flavor-packed recipe that hides a medley of vegetables in every bite! This homemade tomato sauce combines the richness of canned crushed tomatoes with the natural sweetness of carrots, zucchini, and a touch of sugar, all blended into a smooth, velvety consistency. With aromatic garlic, sautéed onions, and perfectly balanced herbs like basil and oregano, this sauce is a versatile staple for pasta, pizza, and more. The addition of baby spinach not only boosts its nutrient content but enhances its vibrant color, making it a clever way to sneak veggies into picky eaters' diets. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy-to-make sauce freezes beautifully, ensuring you always have a wholesome meal starter on hand. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, Sneaky Tomato Sauce lets you enjoy comfort food with a healthful twist!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium-sized (diced) yellow onion
- 2 medium-sized (peeled and diced) carrots
- 1 medium-sized (diced) zucchini
- 4 whole (minced) garlic cloves
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable stock
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups (packed) baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and zucchini, and sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until the veggies are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and vegetable stock and stir to combine.
Add the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir well.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the baby spinach to the saucepan, stirring until it wilts into the sauce.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Using an immersion blender (or carefully transferring to a standard blender in batches), puree the mixture until smooth.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more salt or sugar to balance flavors, if necessary.
Serve immediately over pasta, pizza, or use as a base for other dishes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
786 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.8 g | 42% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.0 g | 25% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4823 mg | 210% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 113.7 g | 41% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 28.2 g | 101% | |
| Total Sugars | 65.3 g | ||
| Protein | 23.5 g | 47% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 529 mg | 41% | |
| Iron | 15.4 mg | 86% | |
| Potassium | 4144 mg | 88% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
