Slow Cooker Meatless Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Are you looking for a hearty and delicious meatless spaghetti sauce recipe? Look no further than this slow cooker recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. This recipe is not only easy to make, but it is also vegetarian and can be adapted to be vegan as well.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans of crushed tomatoes (28 ounces each)
- 1 can of tomato paste (6 ounces)
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, sugar, and bay leaf to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Before serving, remove the bay leaf and taste to adjust seasonings as needed.
Variations:
This recipe can be easily customized to fit your preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can add diced tomatoes or use whole canned tomatoes instead of crushed.
- If you like a little spice, you can add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper.
- If you want to add some protein, you can add cooked lentils or crumbled tofu.
- If you want to make this recipe vegan, simply omit the sugar or use a vegan sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar.
Serving Suggestions:
This sauce is perfect served over spaghetti noodles, but it can also be used in other pasta dishes like lasagna or baked ziti. You can also use it as a topping for pizza or as a dipping sauce for garlic bread. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion:
With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can have a delicious and nutritious meatless spaghetti sauce that the whole family will love. Plus, with the convenience of the slow cooker, you can set it and forget it while it cooks to perfection. Give this recipe a try and see for yourself just how tasty vegetarian cooking can be!