Versatile Everyday Pasta Sauce (Instant Pot)
Every household needs to have a versatile everyday pasta sauce. At least that is what I believe. And this one is mine. I think it hits all the high notes, tastes better than most commercial varieties and it very flexible. Despite all the fancy varieties out there, my children seem to dig this one. It takes me about 15 to 20 active minutes and then I let the instant pot do it’s magic. And then I have homemade sauce. I feel like a domestic diva plus good mom every time I replenish a batch. So there are bonus therapy points involved as well.
I am a huge fan of make ahead sauces. Here is my go to basic curry sauce.
My Story of Everyday Pasta Sauce
Now, one can definitely try to vary this with fresh tomatoes. I will save that for another day. A note on canned/jarred tomatoes. In terms of taste, I have found canned tomatoes from Trader Joe’s or the Whole 365 brand to be pretty good. What I have settled for is this Pomi variety mostly because it is readily available, does not break the bank and is well not canned. The objective of this however is to make this an easy fuss free option. So for the diced canned jarred tomatoes use whatever is your favorite brand.
How to Boost the Flavor on this Everyday Pasta Sauce
Adding in mushrooms, onions and carrots boosts the flavor profile. It is also a good way to use up what you have on hand. I have been known to throw any any and all aromatics and root vegetables on hand. I just do not want to scare you with a long list of ingredients. There are loads of instant pot pasta recipes on this site.
My favorites to use this sauce in are my spaghetti and meatballs and the Putanesca.
Actually with some additional garlic and red pepper flakes it doubles up as a great dipping sauce as well. Some other Instant Pot pasta recipes worth checking out include this Chickpea Pasta with Caramelized Onions and Simple One Pot Pasta with Broccoli.
If you like this recipe and want more ideas, do join my Indian Instant Pot Facebook group and Legume Love Group. Of course Instant Indian is ready for order, joining its siblings The Bengali Five Spice Chronicles and Spices and Seasons.
A robust and rich tasting tomato sauce that this good for pasta. It gets done easily in the instant pot.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup oilve oil
- 1 red onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 6 cloves)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 carrots peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup finely chopped mushroom (optional, but adds a nice rich flavor)
- 1 large (26.5 oz) pack of diced tomatoes or 1 large can
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup red or white wine
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Turn the instant pot on to saute mode. Add in the olive oil and heat for 2 minutes. Add in the onions and garlic and saute for 3 to 5 minutes. The onions should soften and begin to turn golden.
- Add in the basil and oregano and the carrots and the chopped mushroom if using. Give it a good stir.
- Add in the tomatoes, salt, soy sauce, wine, sugar, and tomato paste. Add in the water.
- Turn off the heat and cover the pot. Set to 15 minutes of pressure and allow a natural release. Stir well. Puree with an immersion blender for a smooth finish.
- Store in jars in the refridgerator. This will keep well in the refridgerator for about 2 weeks. Or you can freeze and use as needed.