THE RECIPE JOURNAL · Main Course
Meatless Pasta Sauce
This flavorful sauce is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty, meat-free meal without sacrificing taste. Made with simple ingredients, it’s easy to prepare and pairs wonderfully with your favorite pasta.
FROM THE KITCHEN • Meatless Pasta Sauce
01 THE RECIPE
Let's make it.
Follow these steps for a delicious result. Tick off each step as you go.
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01
Step 1
Start by tossing the celery, green, red, and yellow bell peppers, carrot, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper together in a bowl. You want all the veggies nicely coated with the seasonings.
02
Step 2
Next, heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking and stirring gently until the onion softens and the garlic turns a light golden color—this usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Then, stir in the seasoned veggie mix and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until everything is heated through. Once that’s done, take the skillet off the heat.
03
Step 3
Meanwhile, pour the tomatoes and half of your red wine (about 1/4 cup) into a large pot over low heat. Let it cook slowly, stirring every now and then, until the tomatoes start to break down, which should take around 15 to 20 minutes.
04
Step 4
Carefully transfer the tomato mixture to a blender, adding the remaining 1/4 cup of red wine and the cornstarch. Don’t fill the blender more than halfway—blend in batches if needed. Pulse a few times to get things moving, then blend until smooth.
05
Step 5
Pour the pureed tomatoes back into the pot and turn the heat to medium-low. Stir in the cooked vegetable mixture, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce cook uncovered for about an hour, stirring occasionally, until it thickens up and all the flavors come together beautifully.
Why you’ll love it
This sauce is full of rich flavors without any meat, making it a great option for vegetarians or anyone looking to eat a little lighter. It’s easy to make and uses simple ingredients you probably already have. Plus, it’s comforting and satisfying for any meal.
How to serve
This sauce pairs wonderfully with your favorite pasta shapes, from spaghetti to penne. You can also spoon it over roasted vegetables or use it as a base for a vegetarian lasagna. A sprinkle of grated cheese or fresh basil on top adds a nice finishing touch.
Storage & leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the sauce in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
