Rustic Tomato Vegetable Sauce Recipe

Our Tomato Vegetable Sauce is designed with the intention of elevating your humble bowl of white rice or pasta into a comforting, nourishing meal. This sauce is a thick, savory blend of tomatoes, vegetables, and fruits, carefully chosen to complement each other. The tomatoes offer a rich, acidic base, while a variety of vegetables add sweetness, earthiness, and a satisfying crunch. Fruits are incorporated to introduce a subtle sweetness, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 small eggplant, diced
1 carrot, diced
2 cups tomatoes, crushed or finely chopped
1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
1 apple, peeled and diced
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon coriander
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup vegetable broth, or as needed
Fresh herbs (such as basil or cilantro), for garnish

Instructions

In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, cooking until it becomes soft and begins to caramelize, about 8-10 minutes. This step ensures the onions develop a deep, sweet flavor, providing a rich base for the sauce.

Add the minced garlic to the pan with the onions, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. This prevents the garlic from burning and becoming bitter.

Incorporate the diced bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and carrot into the pan. Stir and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften. The goal is to allow each vegetable to contribute its flavor without becoming mushy.

Mix in the crushed tomatoes, diced mango, and apple. The fruits add a natural sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. Add the tomato paste, stirring well to distribute it evenly throughout the sauce. The tomato paste not only thickens the sauce but also intensifies the tomato flavor.

Pour in the vegetable broth, adjusting the amount based on your preferred consistency. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then lower the heat and cover. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to reach the perfect tenderness.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you find the sauce too thick, you can add a bit more broth to thin it out.

Garnish with fresh herbs right before serving. This sauce is wonderfully versatile, making it an excellent accompaniment to white rice or pasta, enriching your meal with a burst of flavors and a hearty texture.