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Mediterranean Mushroom Sauce Recipe

Mediterranean Tomato Mushroom Sauce Recipe

This hearty, vegetable-packed Mediterranean Mushroom Sauce is a bright and flavorful twist on traditional tomato sauce. Brimming with fresh mushrooms, bell peppers, garlic, and classic Mediterranean herbs, it’s a highly versatile, budget-friendly pantry staple perfect for meal prep, freezing, and elevating everything from pasta and grain bowls to chicken and roasted vegetables.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course, Meal Prep, Sauce
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 12

Equipment

  • Large stock pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Wooden spoon
  • Citrus zester
  • Storage containers or freezer bags

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce

  • 3–4 tbsp tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pc large onion finely diced
  • 5–6 pc garlic cloves minced
  • 2–3 pc bell peppers diced
  • 3½–5 cups mushrooms sliced or chopped
  • 1 can 28-ounce can San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand or diced
  • 2–2½ cups chicken broth
  • 2–3 tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • 1–2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Zest of 2 lemons added when reheating
  • Juice of 2 lemons added when reheating

Optional Add-Ins

  • ½ cup chopped olives
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • For a Creamier Version
  • 4–6 tablespoons cream cheese per 2-cup portion when reheating

Instructions
 

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Peppers

  • Stir in the minced garlic and diced bell peppers.
  • Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms

  • Add the mushrooms to the pot.
  • Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

  • Stir in:
  • San Marzano tomatoes
  • Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Cook for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

  • Pour in the chicken broth.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • The sauce should thicken slightly while the flavors meld together.

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning

  • Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.

Step 7: Cool Completely

  • Allow the Mediterranean Mushroom Sauce to cool before transferring it to storage containers.
Keyword Mediterranean Mushroom Sauce