Growing up, my grandma’s beetroot pasta sauce was the stuff of legends. Every time she’d bring over a big batch, I’d practically inhale it, savoring every bite. The way the earthy, sweet beets blended with the tangy tomatoes and fragrant herbs – it was pure magic in a bowl.
As an adult, I’ve tried countless pasta sauce recipes, but none quite captured the magic of Grandma’s beetroot version. That is, until I perfected my own take on it. This Beetroot Pasta Sauce has become a staple in my household, and I know it’ll do the same for you.
Why This Beetroot Pasta Sauce Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Beetroot Pasta Sauce
The secret to making this Beetroot Pasta Sauce so delicious lies in the slow-roasting of the beets. By roasting them until they’re tender and caramelized, you unlock a depth of flavor that simply can’t be replicated by boiling or steaming. The beets’ natural sweetness shines through, creating a sauce that’s bold, vibrant, and oh-so-satisfying.
But that’s not all – I’ve also found the perfect balance of seasonings to complement the beets, including a touch of honey, fragrant herbs, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Beetroot
- Tomatoes
- Onion
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Honey
- Balsamic vinegar
- Herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Beetroot Pasta Sauce Instructions
Preparing Your Beetroot Pasta Sauce
This Beetroot Pasta Sauce is surprisingly easy to make, with just a handful of simple steps. In total, it’ll take you about an hour from start to finish, but the majority of that time is hands-off, allowing the beets to roast to perfection. You’ll need a roasting pan, a food processor or blender, and a large saucepan to pull this off.
1- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and trim the beets, then wrap them in foil and roast for 45-60 minutes, until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.
2- While the beets are roasting, sauté the onions and garlic in a large saucepan with a bit of olive oil until they’re soft and fragrant.
3- Once the beets are done, let them cool slightly, then peel and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
4- Add the chopped beets to the saucepan with the onions and garlic, along with the canned tomatoes, honey, balsamic vinegar, and a handful of chopped fresh herbs.
5- Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
6- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, then serve hot over your favorite pasta.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to getting this Beetroot Pasta Sauce just right is to not rush the roasting of the beets. Take your time and let them caramelize – this is what really brings out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
Another pro tip is to use high-quality canned tomatoes. Look for ones that are labeled “San Marzano” for the best flavor. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different herb combinations – basil, oregano, and thyme work great, but you could also try rosemary or even a touch of fennel.
Serving and Storing Your Beetroot Pasta Sauce
Perfect Pairings for Beetroot Pasta Sauce
This Beetroot Pasta Sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with all sorts of pasta shapes, from classic spaghetti to fun penne or fusilli. It also makes a great topping for gnocchi or ravioli.
For a complete meal, I love serving it with a simple green salad and a crusty loaf of bread for sopping up every last drop. And if you’re feeling indulgent, a glass of bold red wine is the perfect companion.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Beetroot Pasta Sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it a great option for meal prep. Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to serve.
You can also freeze leftover sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and then heat it up as needed.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Beetroot Pasta Sauce
Creative Beetroot Pasta Sauce Variations
While I love the classic version of this Beetroot Pasta Sauce, there’s plenty of room for creativity. Try adding roasted red peppers for a little extra sweetness and smokiness. Or, for a touch of heat, stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
In the summertime, you could even grate in some fresh zucchini or summer squash for a veggie-packed sauce. And if you’re a mushroom lover, sautéed cremini or shiitake mushrooms would be a delicious addition.
Making Beetroot Pasta Sauce Diet-Friendly
For a gluten-free version of this Beetroot Pasta Sauce, simply serve it over your favorite gluten-free pasta. It also works wonderfully with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb option.
And if you’re vegan, you can easily swap out the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. The beets and tomatoes provide plenty of natural sweetness, so you won’t miss a thing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use roasted red beets instead of raw?
A: Absolutely! Roasted beets will work just as well in this Beetroot Pasta Sauce recipe. The roasting process will still give you that deep, caramelized flavor that’s essential to the dish.
Q: How can I get the sauce extra smooth and creamy?
A: For an ultra-silky texture, you can use a high-speed blender or food processor to purée the sauce after simmering. This will give you a restaurant-quality consistency.
Q: How long will leftover Beetroot Pasta Sauce keep in the fridge?
A: This sauce will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months for longer-term storage.
Q: Can I double the recipe to feed a crowd?
A: Yes, this Beetroot Pasta Sauce recipe scales up beautifully. Simply double or triple all the ingredients to make a larger batch. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, but the process will remain the same.
Q: What should I do if my sauce turns out too thick?
A: If your Beetroot Pasta Sauce ends up thicker than you’d like, just stir in a bit of the starchy pasta cooking water to thin it out. Start with a tablespoon or two and add more as needed until you reach your desired consistency.
Beetroot Pasta Sauce
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover the secret to an Irresistible Beetroot Pasta Sauce that’s ready in just 30 minutes! This rich, earthy sauce is packed with bold, vibrant flavors and a gorgeous color that will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
– 3 medium-sized beetroots, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (or plant-based cream)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced beetroots with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and spread them out on a baking sheet.
2. – Roast the beetroots for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
3. – In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until translucent.
4. – Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 2 minutes, until fragrant.
5. – Transfer the roasted beetroots to a blender or food processor. Add the sautéed onions and garlic, along with the vegetable broth, heavy cream, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Blend until smooth and creamy.
6. – Season the Beetroot Pasta Sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. – Toss the Beetroot Pasta Sauce with your favorite cooked pasta and enjoy!
Notes
– For a vegan or dairy-free version, use plant-based cream or milk instead of heavy cream.
– Garnish the dish with fresh herbs, grated Parmesan cheese, or toasted pine nuts for added flavor and texture.
– The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Courses
- Method: Roasting, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Conclusion
I hope this Beetroot Pasta Sauce recipe has inspired you to try something new and exciting in the kitchen. The combination of earthy beets, tangy tomatoes, and fragrant herbs is truly a flavor explosion that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of Beetroot Pasta Sauce. Let me know in the comments how it turns out – I can’t wait to hear all about it!