Ingredients
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 ½ cups chopped vegetables (chopped small, such as zucchini, carrot, bell pepper, onion, spinach, etc.)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Other Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 15 ounce can tomato sauce
Instructions
- Heat the oil and cook vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the chopped vegetables and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until softened.
- Add garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook, stirring continuously, for 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
- Simmer with tomato sauce and seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce and add Italian seasoning, dried basil, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Puree the sauce: Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Transfer the sauce to a blender and puree until smooth, or use an immersion blender directly in the pot for convenience.
- Serve: Use this smooth and flavorful sauce on homemade pizzas or as a tasty dip for grilled cheese sandwiches, pizza bites, and more.
Notes
- You can vary the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your preferences—carrots, zucchini, spinach, bell peppers, and onions work wonderfully.
- For a chunkier sauce, blend less or skip pureeing altogether.
- Adding a pinch of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomato sauce if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Use fresh herbs if available to enhance freshness, adjusting quantity to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
