I remember the first time I stumbled across Jamie Oliver’s Veg Tomato Sauce. It was a rainy weekend, and I was flipping through one of his cookbooks. His recipes always had a way of making simple meals feel exciting. As soon as I saw this veggie-packed sauce, I knew it was going to be a game-changer in my kitchen. It wasn’t just about tomatoes and herbs – it was the layers of flavors that intrigued me. Since then, it’s become my go-to recipe for pasta, pizza, or even just a dip for fresh bread. It’s one of those recipes that makes you feel like you’ve elevated a humble dish without much effort.
Jamie Oliver’s Veg Tomato Sauce Recipe
This sauce is vibrant and loaded with goodness. The beauty of Jamie Oliver’s Veg Tomato Sauce is that it doesn’t rely on fancy ingredients or hours of preparation. It’s a straightforward recipe that lets the natural sweetness of vegetables shine. When I first tried it, I was surprised by how much depth the sauce had with such a short list of ingredients. It became a staple in my cooking routine, and I love how adaptable it is depending on what veggies you have on hand.
The Recipe Typically Includes
- Tomatoes (of course!)
- Carrots and onions
- Celery
- Garlic and herbs like thyme and oregano
- Olive oil
- A dash of balsamic vinegar for some tang
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Tomatoes: Use fresh, ripe tomatoes. They give the sauce that rich, natural flavor. You can also use canned tomatoes for convenience.
- Carrots: They add a subtle sweetness and help balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Onions: They bring a savory base flavor to the sauce. I like to use yellow onions, but red works too.
- Celery: This vegetable often gets overlooked, but it contributes a nice herbal depth to the sauce.
- Garlic: Can you ever go wrong with garlic? It gives the sauce that aromatic punch.
- Olive Oil: A good-quality olive oil is crucial here. It’s the base for cooking the veggies.
- Herbs (Thyme and Oregano): These herbs make the sauce feel aromatic and comforting. Fresh is best, but dried works too.
- Balsamic Vinegar: This adds a subtle tang and enhances the sauce’s sweetness.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Veg Tomato Sauce
Let me take you through the steps, starting with the basics and then a few tricks I’ve picked up over time.
- Prep the Veggies: Start by finely chopping the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. It’s worth taking the time to chop everything small – the veggies break down better, and the sauce becomes smoother.
- Cook the Veggies: Heat olive oil in a pan. Add the onion, carrot, and celery first, and sauté until they soften. This is the flavor-building stage, so take your time. Add garlic towards the end to avoid burning it.
- Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Now, throw in the chopped tomatoes and the herbs. Stir it all together and let it simmer gently. The sauce should cook for around 30-40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Seasoning: Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of balsamic vinegar to balance the flavors. Taste and adjust as needed. If it’s too acidic, a teaspoon of sugar can help.
- Blend (Optional): If you like a smoother texture, use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a regular blender. I often leave mine chunky, but blending gives it a rich, velvety consistency.
- Serve: Once your sauce is ready, you can toss it with pasta, spread it on a pizza base, or serve it as a dip.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
I’ve always been curious about what makes a great tomato sauce, and a lot of it comes down to the balance of acidity, sweetness, and umami. Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes with these ingredients:
- Tomatoes: Rich in umami, tomatoes bring that deep savory flavor that forms the backbone of the sauce. They also have natural sugars that caramelize when cooked, making the sauce sweet.
- Carrots: Their sweetness complements the acidity of the tomatoes. They contain beta-carotene, an antioxidant that gives them their bright color and adds a nutritional punch to the sauce.
- Onions and Celery: These contribute natural sugars, adding complexity. The onion releases a savory depth, and celery gives an almost earthy, green note. Together, they form a solid foundation of flavor.
- Olive Oil: It’s not just a cooking medium. Olive oil has polyphenols, which add a peppery kick and help balance the richness of the sauce.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme and oregano provide essential oils that make the sauce aromatic. They also bring subtle bitterness to counterbalance the sweetness.
- Balsamic Vinegar: The vinegar’s acidity brightens the sauce, while its sweetness balances the earthy vegetables.
Expert Tips
- Simmer Slowly: If you have the time, let the sauce simmer on low heat for longer. This allows the flavors to develop even further, creating a deeper, more complex sauce.
- Herb Variations: While thyme and oregano are classic, feel free to experiment with basil, rosemary, or bay leaves for a different flavor profile.
- Add a Little Kick: For some heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
- Freeze Leftovers: This sauce freezes beautifully. I make a big batch and freeze portions for future meals.
- Sauté the Veggies in Batches: To avoid crowding the pan, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery in batches. This will help them caramelize nicely.
Recipe Variations
This is a versatile sauce, and you can tweak it based on what you have. Here are some variations I’ve tried over time:
- Spicy Veg Tomato Sauce: Add a finely chopped chili or a spoonful of harissa to bring heat to the sauce.
- Roasted Veg Version: Roast the tomatoes, carrots, and onions before adding them to the sauce. This caramelizes the veggies and adds a smoky depth.
- Green Veg Tomato Sauce: Instead of carrots and celery, try spinach, kale, or zucchini for a different texture and flavor. The sauce will be fresher and lighter.
- Herbed Tomato Sauce: Replace the oregano and thyme with fresh basil or marjoram for a more herb-forward flavor.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Veg Tomato Sauce is one of those recipes that grows with you. I’ve made it countless times, and I’m always finding new ways to tweak it. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a batch cook, or just a way to get more veggies into your diet without feeling like you’re eating a ’health food’ dish. It’s rich, satisfying, and super flexible.
FAQs
What Vegetables Are Used In Jamie Oliver’s Veg Tomato Sauce?
Jamie uses a mix of onions, carrots, celery, and bell peppers to create a rich and flavorful base for the sauce.
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.
Is The Sauce Vegan-friendly?
Yes, this sauce is completely vegan and uses no animal-based ingredients.