A homemade sauce can turn a meal into one to remember with delicious aromas and flavors of fresh ingredients. However, sauces are often difficult to cook and labor-intensive—the reason why store-bought sauces are so popular.
Store-bought sauces, however, lack the flavor profile that’s possible when making one at home. Worse, they’re often loaded with sugar, artificial flavors and preservatives—a jar of tomato sauce from a leading brand contains 50 grams of sugar.
At Vitamix, we believe that sauces should be flavorful, healthy and easy to make. With these blender sauce recipes, you’re well on your way to cooking meals that will quickly become staples in your recipe book.
Homemade Blender Sauce Recipes
Fresh Tomato Sauce
The Vitamix chops and purees fresh tomatoes and herbs into a classic Italian sauce.
Ingredients
- 6 Roma tomatoes
- 1 onion, peeled, halved
- 1 carrot, halved
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 garlic clove, peeled
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Directions
- Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid.
- Select Variable 1.
- Turn machine on and slowly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.
- Blend for 1 minute, using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades.
- Pour into a saucepan. Simmer for 35-40 minutes. Serve over pasta.
Thai Curry Carrot Sauce
The sweetness of carrots and a touch of brown sugar balance the spiciness of red Thai curry paste in this blended seasoning. Ideal for seafood or sprinkled over rice and roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2 carrots, halved
- 1 garlic clove, peeled
- 1 Tablespoon lemongrass, sliced
- 1¼ cup (300 ml) chicken broth
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) coconut milk
- 1 Tablespoon Thai fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon red curry paste
- 1½ teaspoon brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
Directions
- Place carrots and garlic into the Vitamix container and secure lid.
- Select Variable 1.
- Turn machine on and slowly increase speed to Variable 5 or 6.
- Blend for 10 seconds until chopped. If necessary, use the tamper to press any ingredients into the blades while processing.
- Put carrot mixture, lemon grass, chicken broth, milk, coconut milk, fish sauce, curry paste, and brown sugar into a saucepan and simmer for 15 minutes or until carrots are soft.
- Let cool for 10 minutes or until temperature reaches 160°F.
- Place this mixture and the cornstarch into the Vitamix container and secure lid.
- Select Variable 1.
- Turn machine on and slowly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.
- Blend for 4 minutes or until heavy steam escapes from the vented lid.
- Reduce to Variable 5 and add cilantro through lid plug opening. Blend for 20 seconds.
Chipotle Pepper Cream Sauce
For a little spice, this tofu cheese sauce includes chipotle pepper, and is delicious tossed over pasta or steamed veggies.
Ingredients
- 6 ounces (170 g) light tofu
- 1 Tablespoon fat-free cream cheese
- 1 garlic clove, peeled
- 3 Tablespoons (15 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tablespoons grated Romano cheese
- 2 Tablespoons light butter spread
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ chipotle in adobo sauce
Directions
- Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid.
- Select Variable 1.
- Turn machine on and slowly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.
- Blend for 4 1/2-5 1/2 minutes until smooth and hot.
- Toss with hot pasta and serve.