Imagine transforming simple, fresh vegetables into a mouthwatering sauce that will make your taste buds dance with delight! This Crockpot Roasted Vegetable Sauce is not just a recipe, it's a culinary adventure that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience. With minimal prep time and the magic of slow cooking, you'll create a versatile sauce that can elevate everything from pasta to pizza, all while filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that will have everyone asking, "What's cooking?"
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Wash and prepare all vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the zucchini into small cubes, chop the bell pepper and onion into uniform pieces, and mince the garlic cloves.
- Drizzle olive oil into the bottom of the crockpot, ensuring an even coating to prevent sticking.
- Add all chopped vegetables into the crockpot, starting with onions and garlic as the base layer, then adding zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes on top.
- Sprinkle dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper evenly over the vegetables to distribute the seasonings.
- Gently toss the vegetables to ensure the herbs and seasonings are well distributed and coated with olive oil.
- Cover the crockpot and set to low heat setting for 6 hours, allowing vegetables to slowly roast and release their natural flavors.
- After 6 hours, use a wooden spoon to gently stir and break down the vegetables into a sauce-like consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to enhance the flavor profile.
- Serve hot over pasta, use as a base for other recipes, or store in airtight containers for later use.
Tips
- Choose fresh, ripe vegetables for the most intense flavor. The better your ingredients, the more delicious your sauce will be.
- Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Don't rush the cooking process - the low and slow method is key to developing deep, rich flavors.
- For extra depth, consider adding a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar during the last hour of cooking.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree the vegetables after cooking.
- This sauce freezes beautifully! Store in portion-sized containers for quick and easy meal prep.
- Experiment with different herb combinations like fresh thyme or rosemary to customize the flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
