Vegetarian Meatless Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty and flavorful vegetarian spaghetti sauce packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, perfect for a comforting meatless meal that pairs beautifully with pasta and cheese.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute all vegetables in a large pan with 1/4 cup olive oil for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add the sieved tomatoes, basil, oregano, dried herbs or Mrs. Dash, bay leaves, chopped garlic, and tarragon.
- Simmer the mixture for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve over semolina or spinach pasta and sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Accompany with a large green salad and garlic bread.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your sauce, consider adding a splash of red wine while simmering. If you're out of fresh herbs, dried herbs will work just fine. You can also substitute zucchini or spinach for the carrots for a different texture. For a creamy finish, stir in a bit of ricotta cheese before serving. This vegetarian sauce pairs beautifully with semolina or spinach pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty vegetarian sauce over your choice of pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine. For a complete meal, pair it with a large green salad dressed with Italian French Dressing and some warm garlic bread. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a delicious finishing touch to each serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetarian Meatless Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 394 calories, with 13g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (146% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (79% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 529mg per serving (23% 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 make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce actually improves in flavor if made a day in advance. Just allow it to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
What can I use instead of sieved tomatoes?
If you don't have sieved tomatoes, crushed tomatoes or even diced tomatoes can be used as substitutes. Just blend them in a processor for a smoother consistency if desired. Additionally, you can make your own roasted tomato sauce with fresh tomatoes for a delicious twist.
Is this sauce suitable for vegans?
Yes, this spaghetti sauce is completely vegan as it contains no animal products. Just make sure to skip the Parmesan cheese when serving or use a vegan cheese alternative to keep it plant-based. It's a perfect option for anyone looking for vegan recipes.
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).