Vegetable Sauce
A hearty vegetable sauce featuring fresh and savory flavors, perfect for a quick vegetarian meal or as a flavorful side. The combination of tomato, Brussels sprouts, lettuce, cabbage, and seasonings creates a vibrant, wholesome dish suitable for health-conscious diners and vegetable lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the tomato sauce, sliced carrot, Brussels sprouts, lettuce, cabbage, seasoning salt, salt, and pepper in a large pot and stir.
- Let sit on the stove for 3 minutes.
- Add sliced celery to the pot.
- Add the anchovies if desired, or omit them for a vegetarian version.
Tips & Substitutions
For a bolder flavor, consider adding garlic or onion to the pot. You can substitute the anchovies with capers for a similar umami taste in a vegetarian version. If you want to enhance the texture, try adding diced zucchini or bell peppers. This sauce can also be made with fresh tomatoes if you prefer a homemade touch. For an even richer flavor, use Ripe Tomato Jam as a base instead of regular tomato sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vegetable sauce over pasta, rice, or quinoa for a hearty meal. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad, like the Wagon Wheel Vegetable Platter, for a complete dining experience. You can also top it with grated cheese or nutritional yeast for added flavor. For a refreshing drink, consider pairing with a glass of Orange Spiced Tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the sauce on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency. This sauce can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw and reheat before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetable Sauce contains roughly 51 calories, with 3g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1978mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables to save time. Just ensure they are thawed and drained before adding them to the sauce. Frozen vegetables are often precooked, so they will cook down quickly in the sauce. However, fresh vegetables typically provide better texture and flavor.
Is this sauce suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! This vegetable sauce is perfect for meal prepping. You can make a large batch and divide it into individual portions. It keeps well in the fridge or freezer, making it easy to have a nutritious meal ready to go anytime.
What can I add to make this sauce spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. You could also include chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance for the best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).