Vegetarian Recipe
marinara sauce + spinach + mushrooms + roasted red peppers + garlic and mozzarella
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Ingredients
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Sauce & Base
Vegetables
Cheese & Finish
Method
Sauce & Base
- 1
Sauté aromatics
Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil. When shimmering, add the diced onion and a pinch of salt; cook 5–7 minutes until translucent and soft. Add the minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant, stirring to avoid burning.
- 2
Simmer marinara
Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar (if using), 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to concentrate the flavors.
Vegetables
- 3
Cook mushrooms
While the sauce simmers, heat a separate medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon olive oil (or a light spray). Add the sliced mushrooms and a pinch of salt. Sauté 6–8 minutes until they release their liquid and brown. If mushrooms are very wet, cook a little longer to evaporate excess moisture.
- 4
Add roasted peppers
Add the drained, sliced roasted red peppers to the mushrooms and cook together 1–2 minutes to warm and meld flavors. If you like a little heat, sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes now.
- 5
Wilt spinach
Add the chopped spinach to the mushroom and pepper mixture in batches, stirring until each batch wilts down (about 1–2 minutes per batch). Once all spinach has wilted, season with a small pinch of salt and transfer the vegetable mixture into the simmering marinara. Stir to combine and cook together 2–3 minutes so flavors marry.
Cheese & Finish
- 6
Assemble and melt cheese
Lower heat to low. Spoon the marinara-vegetable mixture into an ovenproof dish (if finishing under broiler) or keep in the skillet for stovetop service. Evenly distribute the shredded or torn fresh mozzarella over the top. Sprinkle grated Parmesan if using. If you want bubbly, place under a preheated broiler for 2–4 minutes until cheese is melted and beginning to brown—watch closely to avoid burning. Alternatively, cover and let sit over low heat until cheese melts, about 3–5 minutes.
- 7
Garnish and serve
Remove from heat, scatter torn fresh basil leaves over the top, and adjust seasoning to taste (additional salt, pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil). Serve hot over pasta, polenta, as a sandwich filling, or with crusty bread.