Hidden Veggie Tomato Pasta Sauce (Printable)

A rich tomato sauce packed with pureed carrots, zucchini, and spinach. Easy to make and perfect for family meals.

# Ingredient list:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
02 - 1 medium zucchini, chopped
03 - 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
04 - 1 medium onion, chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Sauce Base

06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
08 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste

→ Seasonings

09 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

→ Optional

14 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
15 - Fresh basil, for garnish

# How-to:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
02 - Add carrots and zucchini. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.
03 - Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
04 - Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir to combine thoroughly.
05 - Season with oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar if using. Bring to a gentle simmer.
06 - Cover and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all vegetables are very tender.
07 - Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Using an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender in batches), puree the sauce until completely smooth.
08 - Return to heat if needed, adjust seasoning, and stir in Parmesan if desired. Serve hot over your favorite pasta, garnished with fresh basil.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The velvety texture and rich flavor fool even the most dedicated vegetable skeptics in your family while delivering serious nutrition.
  • Once you master this base recipe, youll find yourself riffing on it constantly, adding whatever vegetables need rescuing from your crisper drawer.
02 -
  • Let the sauce cool slightly before blending or you risk a hot explosion, a lesson I learned the messy way when my kitchen ceiling wore tomato sauce for a week.
  • If using a countertop blender, never fill it more than halfway with hot sauce, and always hold a kitchen towel over the lid while pulsing to prevent accidents.
03 -
  • If your blended sauce seems too thick, add vegetable broth instead of water to thin it out—youll maintain flavor while adjusting consistency.
  • For an ultra-silky restaurant-quality finish, press the blended sauce through a fine-mesh sieve, catching any remaining fibrous bits that might give away the hidden vegetables.
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