Extra Special Italian Sauce # 2

Servings: 8 Difficulty: Intermediate
A rich, slow-simmered tomato sauce with sweet bell peppers and aromatic herbs
Extra Special Italian Sauce # 2 recipe image

This vibrant Italian sauce combines the natural sweetness of roasted red bell peppers with the bright acidity of canned tomatoes. Slow-cooked with garlic, onion, and a blend of basil and oregano, it develops a deep, complex flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated. The texture is smooth yet substantial, making it perfect for coating pasta, topping pizza, or serving over grilled chicken. It’s a versatile, vegan-friendly staple that captures the essence of traditional home cooking. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this sauce freezes beautifully, allowing you to enjoy restaurant-quality flavors anytime.

Extra Special Italian Sauce # 2

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 8 Calories: 181.8

Description

This vibrant Italian sauce combines the natural sweetness of roasted red bell peppers with the bright acidity of canned tomatoes. Slow-cooked with garlic, onion, and a blend of basil and oregano, it develops a deep, complex flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated. The texture is smooth yet substantial, making it perfect for coating pasta, topping pizza, or serving over grilled chicken. It&# 226;ÂÂs a versatile, vegan-friendly staple that captures the essence of traditional home cooking. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this sauce freezes beautifully, allowing you to enjoy restaurant-quality flavors anytime.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and red bell peppers to the skillet.
  3. Sauté the vegetables, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Remove the vegetable mixture from the skillet and set aside in a bowl.
  5. Place the canned tomatoes (with their juice) into the same skillet.
  6. Bring the tomatoes to a simmer and cook over medium heat for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken.
  7. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 1/2 teaspoons basil, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
  8. Return the sautéed vegetable mixture to the skillet.
  9. Simmer the sauce for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm over pasta, use as pizza sauce, or top grilled chicken.
  11. Allow to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8


Amount Per Serving
Calories 181.8kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 8.1g13%
Saturated Fat 1.1g6%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 13.5mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 25.8g9%
Dietary Fiber 4.0g16%
Sugars 5.8g
Protein 4.5g9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: italian, sauce, tomato, vegan, bell pepper, garlic, onion, basil, oregano, pasta sauce, pizza sauce, homemade, slow cooked, mediterranean, healthy, dinner, meal prep, freezer friendly, vegetarian, comfort food
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