Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Summer Zucchini Bolognese is light yet hearty, packed with fresh, garden-inspired ingredients like zucchini, carrots, and celery. The rich, savory sauce is made with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a blend of aromatic herbs, offering a depth of flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare, making it a great weeknight meal that’s as healthy as it is comforting. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can be paired with traditional pasta or zucchini noodles, catering to various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated or finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
For Serving:
- Pasta or zucchini noodles of your choice
Directions
1. Make the Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion with a pinch of salt and sauté until soft, about 15-20 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the grated zucchini, chopped carrot, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their moisture.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
2. Serve:
- Serve the zucchini bolognese over your choice of cooked pasta or zucchini noodles. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini?
Yes! You can substitute zucchini with other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or eggplant for a different flavor and texture.
2. Can I add protein to this dish?
Certainly! You can add plant-based protein like lentils, chickpeas, or tofu for extra nutrition and protein. Alternatively, you can add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by serving it with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free.
4. How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
5. Can I use canned zucchini instead of fresh zucchini?
Fresh zucchini is ideal for this recipe as it has a firmer texture and releases less liquid. However, if you must use canned zucchini, be sure to drain it thoroughly before adding it to the sauce.
6. Can I freeze this sauce?
Yes! You can freeze the zucchini bolognese sauce for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat it in a pan or microwave when ready to serve.
7. Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, this recipe is already vegan-friendly. Just be sure to use a plant-based pasta and enjoy this healthy, meat-free option.
8. How do I prevent the sauce from being too watery?
To avoid a watery sauce, make sure to cook the zucchini, carrot, and celery long enough to allow some of their moisture to evaporate. Also, simmer the sauce for a longer period if needed to allow it to thicken.
9. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just reheat the sauce before serving with your favorite pasta or zucchini noodles.
10. How can I add more flavor to the sauce?
You can add a dash of balsamic vinegar or a spoonful of tomato paste for an extra depth of flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also enhance the sauce.
Conclusion
Summer Zucchini Bolognese is the perfect dish for anyone looking to enjoy a light and healthy meal without sacrificing flavor. Packed with fresh vegetables and simmered in a rich tomato sauce, it’s a delicious and nutritious twist on a classic bolognese. Whether you’re looking for a hearty vegetarian dinner, a gluten-free meal, or simply want to enjoy the flavors of summer, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Serve it with your favorite pasta or zucchini noodles for a wholesome, satisfying meal!
Summer Zucchini Bolognese: A Light and Flavorful Twist on a Classic
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Summer Zucchini Bolognese is a vibrant and healthy twist on the classic meat sauce, featuring fresh zucchini, carrots, and celery in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for summer meals, it’s light, flavorful, and easily adaptable for various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium zucchinis, grated or finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Pasta or zucchini noodles of your choice
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion with a pinch of salt and sauté for 15-20 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in grated zucchini, chopped carrot, and celery, and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Serve the zucchini bolognese over your choice of cooked pasta or zucchini noodles. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Notes
For added protein, you can add lentils, chickpeas, or tofu to the sauce.
To make this gluten-free, serve with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or chili peppers to the sauce.
The sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months for future use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
