Jamie Oliver’s 7 Veg Sauce is a nutritious, versatile sauce packed with vegetables, making it perfect for adding extra flavor and goodness to pasta, rice, or as a base for other recipes. This vibrant sauce includes a mix of seven different vegetables, creating a rich, naturally sweet flavor and a velvety texture that’s loved by kids and adults alike. Not only is it easy to make in large batches, but it also freezes well, so you’ll always have a healthy sauce ready to go.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Packed with Vegetables: This sauce has seven different veggies, making it a great way to increase your daily intake.
- Family-Friendly: The smooth texture and mild flavor make it appealing for all ages.
- Versatile: Use it as a pasta sauce, pizza base, or soup starter – it’s incredibly flexible.
- Easy to Make in Bulk: You can easily make a large batch and freeze it for later use.
- Great for Meal Prep: Ideal for busy weeks, this sauce can be used in various dishes throughout the week.
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What is Jamie Oliver’s 7 Veg Sauce?
Jamie Oliver 7 Veg Sauce is a vegetable-based sauce made by simmering and blending a mixture of seven vegetables. This sauce is typically used as a base for pasta, soups, stews, or pizza, providing a rich, nutrient-dense flavor boost to any dish.
Jamie Oliver 7 Veg Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 onions, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 small butternut squash or sweet potato, peeled and chopped
- 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
- 500ml vegetable or chicken stock
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver 7 Veg Sauce
1. Prepare the Vegetables
- Wash, peel, and chop all vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
2. Cook the Base
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
3. Add the Remaining Vegetables
- Add the bell peppers, zucchini, and butternut squash (or sweet potato) to the pan. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes to soften the vegetables.
4. Add Tomatoes and Stock
- Pour in the chopped tomatoes and vegetable or chicken stock. Stir well to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Simmer the Sauce
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the sauce simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender and cooked through.
6. Blend the Sauce
- Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce directly in the pan until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only a portion of the sauce. Alternatively, transfer the sauce to a blender and blend in batches, being careful with the hot liquid.
7. Season and Serve
- Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve over pasta, rice, or as a base for other dishes.
What to Serve with Jamie Oliver 7 Veg Sauce
- Pasta: Toss the sauce with your favorite pasta for a wholesome, veggie-packed meal.
- Pizza: Use it as a base for homemade pizzas, adding your favorite toppings.
- Soup Starter: Add stock to thin it out and use it as a soup base.
- Baked Dishes: Use it in baked dishes like lasagna or baked ziti for added flavor and nutrition.
- Meatballs: Serve as a sauce with meatballs for a classic pairing with extra vegetables.
Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver 7 Veg Sauce
- Use Seasonal Vegetables: Customize the sauce with seasonal veggies, swapping in whatever is fresh and available.
- Blend to Your Preferred Texture: For a smoother sauce, blend until silky. For more texture, only partially blend.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more stock or water while blending.
- Add Herbs for Extra Flavor: Basil, thyme, or oregano can enhance the sauce’s flavor profile.
- Batch and Freeze: This sauce freezes well, so make a large batch and store in portions for quick use.
Variations of Jamie Oliver 7 Veg Sauce
- Spicy 7-Veg Sauce: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or chopped chili pepper for some heat.
- Herbed 7-Veg Sauce: Add fresh or dried herbs like oregano, rosemary, or thyme for a Mediterranean twist.
- Creamy Veg Sauce: Stir in a little cream or coconut milk at the end for a creamier version.
- Garlic-Infused Sauce: Add extra garlic for a bolder flavor.
- Roasted Vegetable Sauce: Roast the vegetables before blending for a deeper, caramelized flavor.
How to Store Leftover Jamie Oliver 7 Veg Sauce?
- Refrigerate: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for Later: Freeze the sauce in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Reheat Jamie Oliver 7 Veg Sauce?
- Stovetop Reheat: Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Microwave Option: For individual portions, microwave on medium heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
FAQs
Can I freeze Jamie Oliver’s 7-Veg Sauce?
Yes, this sauce freezes very well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before using.
What vegetables can I substitute in 7-Veg Sauce?
You can substitute similar veggies you have on hand, like using sweet potato instead of butternut squash or adding cauliflower or spinach for extra nutrients. Just make sure to keep the overall vegetable quantity similar for consistency.
How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
To make the sauce thicker, simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to let excess water evaporate. To thin the sauce, simply add more stock or water while blending until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I use 7-Veg Sauce for pizza?
Yes, this sauce works wonderfully as a pizza base. Spread a thin layer on your pizza dough before adding your favorite toppings for a veggie-packed, flavorful base.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s 7-Veg Sauce is a nutritious, flavorful sauce that’s as versatile as it is delicious. With its blend of fresh vegetables, this sauce is a perfect way to add extra nutrients to your meals without compromising on taste. Whether you’re using it as a pasta sauce, soup base, or pizza topping, this veggie-packed sauce is a fantastic addition to your kitchen staples.
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Jamie Oliver 7 Veg Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Sauce/Condiment
- Method: Simmering and Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
Jamie Oliver 7-Veg Sauce is a vegetable-based sauce made by simmering and blending a mixture of seven vegetables. This sauce is typically used as a base for pasta, soups, stews, or pizza, providing a rich, nutrient-dense flavor boost to any dish.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 onions, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 small butternut squash or sweet potato, peeled and chopped
- 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
- 500ml vegetable or chicken stock
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables
- Wash, peel, and chop all vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
2. Cook the Base
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
3. Add the Remaining Vegetables
- Add the bell peppers, zucchini, and butternut squash (or sweet potato) to the pan. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes to soften the vegetables.
4. Add Tomatoes and Stock
- Pour in the chopped tomatoes and vegetable or chicken stock. Stir well to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Simmer the Sauce
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the sauce simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender and cooked through.
6. Blend the Sauce
- Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce directly in the pan until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only a portion of the sauce. Alternatively, transfer the sauce to a blender and blend in batches, being careful with the hot liquid.
7. Season and Serve
- Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve over pasta, rice, or as a base for other dishes.