Steamed Pasta Sauce

This hearty Italian-inspired sauce is a comforting staple for weeknight dinners. By steaming the onions, peppers, and optional eggplant first, you retain more nutrients and achieve a tender texture without the bitterness of raw vegetables. The base of crushed tomatoes and puree simmers with honey, garlic, and aromatic herbs like basil and oregano to create a deep, savory flavor profile. It&# 226;ÂÂs naturally vegan and free of meat, making it a wholesome choice for the whole family. Perfect for tossing with pasta, layering in lasagna, or serving over grains like quinoa or brown rice for a nutritious, satisfying meal.

Cooking Method: Steaming, Stewing

Cuisine: Italian

Courses: Sauces & Condiments

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 8

Calories: 164.9

Dietary: Vegetarian

Description

This hearty Italian-inspired sauce is a comforting staple for weeknight dinners. By steaming the onions, peppers, and optional eggplant first, you retain more nutrients and achieve a tender texture without the bitterness of raw vegetables. The base of crushed tomatoes and puree simmers with honey, garlic, and aromatic herbs like basil and oregano to create a deep, savory flavor profile. It&# 226;ÂÂs naturally vegan and free of meat, making it a wholesome choice for the whole family. Perfect for tossing with pasta, layering in lasagna, or serving over grains like quinoa or brown rice for a nutritious, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

2 Med. onions, chopped
1 Qt. canned tomatoes, crushed
1/2 C. water
3 Tbsp. honey
2 Teaspoon. salt (less if tomatoes have salt)
2 Bell peppers, diced
1 Teaspoon. oregano
1 Small eggplant, cubed (opt.) and steamed
2 Teaspoon. sweet basil
3 Cloves garlic, pressed, or 1 teaspoon. garlic powder
16 Oz. can tomato puree
3/4 C. sliced black olives

Directions

1
Place chopped onions, diced bell peppers, and cubed eggplant (if using) in a steamer basket over a small amount of simmering water.
2
Cover and steam for approximately 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still hold their shape.
3
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the steamed vegetables, crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, water, honey, salt, oregano, basil, garlic, and black olives.
4
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
5
Simmer uncovered for 30 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
6
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or herbs if needed.
7
Serve warm over cooked pasta, brown rice, millet, or quinoa.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Amount Per Serving
Calories 164.9kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 1.3g2%
Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 9773.7mg408%
Total Carbohydrate 38.5g13%
Dietary Fiber 10.0g40%
Sugars 25.5g
Protein 5.4g11%

* 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: tomato, sauce, pasta, vegan, italian, onion, garlic, bell pepper, eggplant, olive, basil, oregano, honey, simmer, steam, lasagna, vegetable, dinner, healthy, simple

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/steamed-pasta-sauce/