Homemade Bell Pepper Carrot Pasta Sauce
Homemade Bell Pepper Carrot Pasta Sauce
Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy Free, Egg-Free, Vegan
INGREDIENTS
2 medium red bell peppers, halved. (Or you can use jarred roasted red bell peppers)
2 small carrots or 1 large carrot without stems
1/2 white onion, unpeeled, quartered lengthwise
2 1/2 TBSP olive oil, divided
2 medium garlic gloves, unpeeled
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp kosher salt
3/4 cup harissa (mild)
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (or pumpkin seeds)
DIRECTIONS
Pre-heat oven to broil with rack in the middle oven. Rub bell peppers, onions and carrots with olive oil. (Skip if the bell peppers are already roasted and jarred). Arrange cut-side down on a rimmed baking sheet. Broil in heated oven until bell peppers are charred, about 15 minutes, adding garlic to the baking sheet 1/2 through. Once done, put veggies in a bowl and set aside until room temperature. Once veggies are cool, remove the garlic and onion skins.
While the veggies are cooling, adjust the oven to 350 degrees and add the walnuts or pumpkin seeds to toast. Set timer for 5 minutes and flip, then add another 3-5 more minutes until nuts are toasted but not burned.
Transfer the bell pepper mixture to a blender and add the toasted walnuts (or pumpkin seeds), lemon juice, salt and remaining olive oil. Process until smooth, about 45 seconds.
Notes
Is this recipe spicy?
This recipe has mild spice because of the harissa. If you want this recipe to be spicier, you can use spicy harissa and/or add 1 small dried Thai chili with the stem removed.
What can I use this homemade bell pepper, carrot pasta sauce for?
I love using this bell pepper and carrot sauce instead of tomato sauce. It is a great way to add a variety of vegetables and enjoy a flavor bomb of deliciousness. Toss on top of cavatappi pasta with fresh shredded parmesan or pecorino cheese and a side of sourdough bread, and you’ve got an endurance athlete's plate ready to fuel you. Not a van of pasta? You can add 1/2 cup white wine and 1 TBSP butter or vegan butter to create an oyster sauce or toss on a grain bowl or pizza!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you’re gluten-free, grab your favorite gluten-free pasta and gluten-free bread and you’re good to go. The sauce itself is gluten-free.
Recipe adapted from an oyster sauce recipe.
