Mediterranean Sauce Base

 

 

I was experimenting in my kitchen the other day and my goal was to create a simple and delicious sauce that I   could use as a base for multiple dishes. Well, I think I have a winner here! So far I have used this sauce for 5 different dishes by adding just a few other ingredients. It is great to make it up and then freeze it in portions that you can use when you want a fast meal, with everything homemade.

It really helps to start with fresh herbs for fragrance and aroma but if fresh is not available dried herbs are great too!

 

Ingredients

2 tbsp. fresh oregano –diced

6 garlic bulbs-diced finely (try a garlic press)

¼ c chives-diced

1 tbsp. lemon balm-diced

4 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil (you may need to add a bit more as you go)

2 green onions-chopped

2 yellow onions –roughly chopped

1 each orange yellow, green peppers-roughly chopped

2 cups fresh mushrooms-sliced (brown or white)

1 cup red wine (don’t use your expensive wine)

1 can diced tomatoes (organic if you can)

2 cans or bottles tomato sauce (organic if you can)

Freshly ground pepper (to taste)

1 tsp ground sea salt (or less if there is salt in your tomato sauce)

1 tbsp. fresh parsley

 

Method

 

In a large Dutch oven heat olive oil and add garlic, oregano, lemon balm, chives, green onions. Stir around a bit until the herbs become fragrant. (Hint: this will make your kitchen smell amazing). Add chopped yellow onions and sauté until transparent. Now add chopped peppers and sliced mushrooms.  You may need to use a bit more olive oil at this point. Once peppers are bright and mushrooms have become slightly soft add in the red wine. This will create a real flavor burst! Stir the mixture until all the vegetable are well covered. At this point add your canned diced tomatoes. Stir so everything is mixed well. Now add your cans or bottles of tomato sauce. Stir ; add salt , pepper and fresh parsley to taste and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes.

So far I have made a vegan chili, tacos, vegan artichoke spaghetti sauce, turkey chili. Next I’m going to try to make  a Greek vegetarian moussaka with this sauce base.

 

Save this recipe with your favorites and watch for the easy meals using it as a base coming to you soon!