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Tomato Sauce with Hidden Vegetables

A rich, smooth tomato sauce packed with hidden veggies for a healthy, family-friendly meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Main, Sauce
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 90
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 carrots peeled and diced
  • 1 zucchini diced
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 stalk celery chopped
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp sugar optional
  • 0.5 cup vegetable or chicken broth

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Blender or immersion blender
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic.
  2. Add carrots, zucchini, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for 6–8 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, sugar, and broth.
  4. Simmer for 20–25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  5. Blend the sauce until smooth using an immersion blender. Adjust seasoning.
  6. Serve immediately or store for later use.

Notes

Perfect for freezing and meal prep. Add a splash of cream for a richer sauce.