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Container showing Flexible Nightshade-Free Base Sauce recipe
J - Flexible Family Kitchen

Nightshade-Free Pasta Sauce

This flexible nightshade free pasta sauce is a roasted vegetable tomato free sauce (nomato sauce) that works across pasta, Bolognese, lasagne and easy family meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Modern Family-Friendly
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Roasted vegetables
  • 1 brown onion , cut into 1cm pieces
  • 3 carrots (250g), cut into 1cm pieces
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil , or preferred oil
  • pinch of salt
Base sauce
  • 2 celery sticks , diced
  • 3 cloves garlic , crushed
  • 120 g button mushrooms , sliced
  • 250 g cooked beetroot (store-bought), roughly chopped
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 750 ml beef stock , or vegetable stock
Flavour
  • 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried mixed herbs
  • salt and pepper , to taste

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced) and line a tray with baking paper.
  2. Place chopped onion and carrot on the tray. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Toss to coat evenly.
  3. Roast for 25–30 minutes until soft and lightly caramelised.
    4. Roasting is key — it builds the depth you normally get from tomatoes.
  4. Heat a little olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  5. Add celery, garlic, mushrooms, and bay leaf. Cook for 6–8 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
  6. Add roasted vegetables and cooked beetroot. Stir well to combine.
  7. Pour in stock and mix through.
  8. Add balsamic vinegar, oregano, and mixed herbs.
  9. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes to develop flavour.
  10. Remove bay leaf and blend until smooth or slightly textured.
  11. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
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