Prepare to revolutionize your dinner table with a mind-blowing vegan ragu that transforms ordinary vegetables into an extraordinary culinary experience! This isn't just another pasta sauce – it's a smoky, charred symphony of flavors that will make even the most dedicated meat-lovers forget about traditional recipes. With perfectly caramelized vegetables and a rich, deeply satisfying sauce, this Vegan Charred Vegetable Ragu is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 zucchini, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by washing and chopping zucchini, bell pepper, onion, and mincing garlic. Set aside cherry tomatoes whole.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over high heat. Add olive oil and allow it to shimmer.
- Add chopped zucchini, bell pepper, and onion to the hot pan. Cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes to achieve a deep char and caramelization on the vegetables.
- Stir vegetables and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, creating varied colors and smoky edges.
- Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and whole cherry tomatoes. Stir to combine and let simmer for 25-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Season with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes to allow sauce to thicken.
- Garnish with fresh torn basil leaves before serving over pasta or your preferred grain.
Tips
- The secret to incredible flavor is high-heat charring. Use a cast-iron skillet and resist the urge to stir too quickly – let those vegetables develop a deep, smoky caramelization.
- For maximum flavor complexity, cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and charring.
- Fresh herbs make a huge difference. If possible, use fresh basil right before serving to add a bright, aromatic finish.
- Don't rush the simmering process. Allowing the sauce to slowly develop helps intensify the flavors and create a more cohesive dish.
- For extra depth, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika during cooking to enhance the charred notes.
- This ragu is incredibly versatile – serve over pasta, polenta, roasted vegetables, or even as a hearty topping for crusty bread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 95kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
