Jamie Oliver’s 7 Veg Sauce is a bold, hearty tomato-based sauce that packs in the flavors and nutrition of seven different vegetables. It’s a game-changer for people who want to sneak in more veggies into their meals, especially for picky eaters or anyone looking for a healthier alternative to store-bought sauces. It’s a versatile sauce too. perfect for pasta, pizza or even as a base for stews and soups. The beauty of the sauce is that it’s rich, full of depth and bursting with natural sweetness and savory goodness, all thanks to the mix of vegetables like carrots, zucchini and onions.
It’s like a big hug in a jar-comforting, tasty and great for all kinds of meals. Jamie oliver makes cooking this easy, with a lot of room for personal twists.
Jamie Oliver 7 Veg Sauce Recipe
Ingredients Needed
The ingredients for this sauce are simple yet flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Olive Oil – The base fat for sautéing the veggies and adding richness.
- Onions – Essential for building that savory base.
- Carrots – A key player for sweetness and body.
- Zucchini – Adds a soft texture and a fresh taste.
- Celery – Gives the sauce an aromatic depth.
- Red Pepper – For a bit of sweetness and vibrant color.
- Tomatoes – The main ingredient for the sauce’s tang and richness.
- Tomato Paste – Deepens the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- Garlic – No sauce is complete without garlic. It brings a lot of depth.
- Herbs (Basil, Oregano, etc.) – Adds aromatic and earthy notes.
- Salt and Pepper – For seasoning, to bring everything together.
Equipment Needed
The equipment list is pretty minimal but there are a few essentials:
- A Large Pan or Dutch Oven. This is your main cooking vessel. It gives you plenty of room to sauté the vegetables and simmer the sauce.
- A Knife and Chopping Board. To finely chop all the veggies. You want small pieces so they break down well and blend into the sauce.
- Wooden Spoon – For stirring and keeping everything from sticking to the pan.
- Blender or Immersion Blender. This is to blend the sauce into a smooth, silky texture once everything is cooked down. An immersion blender is super handy since you can blend right in the pan.
- Lid for the Pan. If you want to let the sauce simmer and develop more flavors, covering it keeps the moisture in.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s 7 Veg Sauce
- Prep the Veggies: Start by peeling and chopping the carrots, zucchini, celery, onion and red pepper into small pieces. The smaller you chop, the quicker they’ll cook down and blend into the sauce.
- Cook the Veggies: Heat up the olive oil in your large pan over medium heat. Start with the onions and garlic, sautéing them until soft and fragrant. Add the rest of the veggies and cook them down for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. They’ll release their moisture and start to soften.
- Add Tomatoes: Now, pour in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir everything together, ensuring the paste is well mixed into the veggies. Bring the mixture to a simmer. You’ll want to cook this for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the vegetables break down into a chunky sauce.
- Season: Add salt, pepper and your herbs (dried oregano, fresh basil-whatever you’ve got). Keep tasting and adjusting the seasoning. If you like your sauce a bit sweeter, a pinch of sugar can help.
- Blend the Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened and everything is soft, take it off the heat. Let it cool slightly, then blend it until smooth. If you’re using an immersion blender, you can do it right in the pan. Otherwise, transfer it to a blender and pulse until velvety.
- Serve and Enjoy: Now you’ve got a luscious, veggie-packed sauce that’s ready to go. Pour it over your favorite pasta, pizza or use it as a base for other dishes. The possibilities are endless.
What I Learnt
What really struck me about this recipe is just how versatile it is. You can adapt it based on what vegetables you have in your fridge. If you’ve got leftover sweet potatoes, leeks or mushrooms, you can swap those in without missing a beat. The sauce is also a great way to get more nutrients in your diet without compromising on flavor. I didn’t realize how much of a difference adding so many veggies could make. The sweetness from the carrots and tomatoes balances out the acidity and the different textures give it a richness that’s comforting yet fresh.
Another takeaway: don’t skip the blending step. The sauce is good without blending but blending it makes it that much smoother and more refined. It’s a great way to hide all those extra veggies in a form that even kids will love.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s 7 Veg Sauce
Jamie Oliver’s 7 Veg Sauce is already a versatile, wholesome delight, packed with goodness and flavor. But if you’re looking to tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs, there are tons of ways to make it your own.
- Veggie Swap: The base of the sauce includes classic vegetables like carrots, zucchini and onions. But if you’re craving something a little different or have some veg you need to use up, don’t hesitate to swap! Sweet potatoes, eggplant or even cauliflower work wonderfully in this sauce. Cauliflower especially gives a nice creamy texture when blended.
- Spices and Herbs: Jamie uses the usual suspects like garlic and basil but don’t be afraid to get creative here. If you like a bit of heat, toss in some chili flakes or a fresh chili for a kick. For more earthiness, you can add a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also give it a rustic, deeper flavor.
- Tomato Variations: While the recipe uses canned tomatoes, you could mix things up by adding a little roasted tomato paste or even sun-dried tomatoes for a richer, more intense flavor. It’ll make the sauce a little sweeter and more robust.
- Veggie Stock vs. Water: Jamie suggests water to keep the sauce light but if you want more depth, a veggie stock cube (or even a mushroom stock) works wonders. It’s a quick, simple hack that adds that savory undertone without much extra work.
- Blending Texture: If you’re a fan of a chunkier sauce, give it a quick blend rather than puréeing everything. You’ll have more texture and the sauce can serve as a hearty topping for pasta, rice or even roasted veggies.
- Sweetness Adjustment: Some people like a touch of sweetness in their sauce. Adding a spoonful of honey or maple syrup balances out the acidity from the tomatoes. If you like it a little tangy, try a squeeze of lemon or vinegar at the end.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
Leftovers are one of the best things about this sauce! Here’s how you can store it to keep it fresh and tasty:
- Refrigerating: If you’ve made a big batch, store it in an airtight container. It’ll last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. When reheating, you may want to add a little splash of water or veggie stock to loosen it up as it tends to thicken.
- Freezing: If you want to store it for a longer time, freezing is your best bet. Let the sauce cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze it in individual portions so you can easily pull out just what you need. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When reheating, you can either thaw it overnight in the fridge or pop it directly into a pot over low heat.
- Reviving Leftovers: After freezing, the sauce can sometimes lose a bit of its original texture. A quick tip to bring it back to life is to stir in some fresh herbs or a splash of olive oil. It’ll boost the flavor and texture, making it as good as new!
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s 7 Veg Sauce?
This sauce is so adaptable that it pairs well with pretty much anything. Here are a few ideas:
- Pasta: The classic pairing. You can toss the sauce with spaghetti, penne or fusilli. It also works great with a whole-grain pasta for a healthier twist.
- Rice: If you’re looking for a lighter option, serve the sauce over rice. Brown rice or quinoa can be a great, nutritious base for the veggies.
- Roasted Vegetables: Want to turn up the veggie power? Roast a bunch of root vegetables-like sweet potatoes, carrots and parsnips. and top them with the 7 Veg Sauce. You get a double dose of plant goodness, plus a comforting, hearty meal.
- Grilled Chicken or Tofu: The sauce is rich and savory enough to balance out a lean protein like grilled chicken or even a block of crispy tofu. You could also use it as a filling for wraps or sandwiches.
- Pizza: This sauce can even be used as a base for a pizza. Spread it over your dough, top with cheese and bake away. It’ll give your pizza a veggie-packed kick that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
- Stuffed Zucchini or Eggplant: For a veggie-packed main dish, hollow out zucchini or eggplant and fill them with this sauce, then roast. The veg’s natural flavors will enhance the richness of the sauce.
- Polenta: For a cozy, comfort meal, serve the sauce over creamy polenta. The sauce blends beautifully with the soft texture of the polenta and creates a hearty dish perfect for a chilly evening.
FAQs
What Vegetables Are In Jamie Oliver’s 7 Veg Sauce?
The sauce includes onions, carrots, celery, mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s 7 Veg Sauce Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
What Dishes Can I Use Jamie Oliver’s 7 Veg Sauce With?
It’s great with pasta, on pizza, in lasagna, or as a base for stews and casseroles.
