This red pepper sauce is the perfect pairing for the vegan Sunday dinner classic, nut roast & adds a layer of sweet & spicy deliciousness.

Easy Nut Roast Sauce in a cast iron pan.

Red Pepper Sauce for Nut Roast

Name: Red Pepper Sauce for Nut Roast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion (white, brown or red), finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic , crushed or finely grated; 1 red bell pepper, topped, deseeded and finely chopped; 400g (14 oz canned) chopped tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato puree; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; ½ teaspoon chilli flakes (more if you like); ½ teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon dried basil (or a small handful of fresh - see notes); 1 pinch of salt and pepper

Nut roasts are generally served with an onion or mushroom gravy, or sometimes a tomato sauce.

However, this red pepper sauce for nut roast, hits the spot.

The flavour combination of the piquant red pepper sauce works so well with the nutty flavour and texture of a nut loaf and is far better than any sauce I've tried with one.

It's sweet and rich with a gently spicy kick.

I can confidently say it takes a nut roast to the next level and makes it something special.

What is a nut roast?

A nut roast or a nut loaf as it is also known, is a dish that was created and became popular in Great Britain in the 1970s.

Nut roast with red pepper sauce, roast potatoes and vegetables

It's basically a savoury loaf made from vegetables, nuts, breadcrumbs and spices, which are combined and baked in a loaf tin, then sliced and served with a sauce or gravy.

Basically, it's a vegetarian version of a meatloaf.

Soon it became a vegetarian and vegan staple dish and was served in homes across the country as well as in pubs and restaurants.

Usually, nut roast is served with tomato sauce, roast potatoes and vegetables.

Alternatively, it may be served with gravy or even cranberry sauce, especially for Christmas dinner.

Close up of Red Pepper Sauce for Nut Roast.

What you need to make red pepper nut roast sauce

Here are the simple ingredients you need to make this healthy red pepper sauce.

Olive oil - or rapeseed oil
Onion - white or red, both work well in this recipe
Garlic
Red pepper - red bell pepper
Chopped tomatoes - tinned tomatoes
Tomato puree
Paprika
Dried basil - or fresh
Chilli flakes - or you can use chilli powder or fresh chilli pepper
Salt & pepper

Low calorie sauce

As an added bonus, this dairy-free sauce is healthy and low-calorie.

There are only 78 calories per portion.

So great if you are watching your weight.

Variations

Here are a few tweaks you can make to the nut loaf sauce.

Tinned cherry tomatoes - instead of tinned plum tomatoes or chopped tomatoes
Roasted garlic - you could roast some garlic and vegetables to serve with the nut roast and use the garlic in the sauce
More chilli - for more of a kick
Oregano - instead of basil, or why not add both

This nut loaf sauce is suitable for vegetarians, vegans, anyone to eat more of a plant-based diet, and those on a gluten-free diet.

Many nut loaves are not gluten-free, but my miso mushroom nut loaf can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free oats.

Blend it smooth or leave it thick?

The texture of a nut loaf sauce is a personal choice.

You can blend it completely smooth in a blender, food processor or with an electric stick blender.

Alternatively, you can partially blend it or leave the sauce thick.

It just depends on the day and what I fancy, how I serve this delicious pepper sauce.

I'll leave it up to you when you make it.

How long will red pepper sauce keep?

Homemade red pepper sauce is the perfect sauce to make ahead.

Once cool this spicy sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Reheat in a pot or in a bowl in the microwave, before serving.

Can you freeze red pepper sauce?

Red pepper sauce freezes really well.

Once it is cool portion it up in freezer bags or a freezer-friendly tub, label it and keep it in the freezer for 3-4 months.

Leave in the fridge overnight to defrost, then reheat before serving.

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Mushroom nut roast with red pepper sauce.

Different ways to serve homemade red pepper sauce

This rich red pepper sauce is a healthy option and is perfect for a nut roast, like my miso mushroom nut roast, but it is very versatile and can be served with many main courses and starters.

Here are some serving ideas:

Dip - serve as a dip for crunchy vegetables or popcorn tofu
Haggis - vegan haggis is usually served with a creamy whisky sauce, but it's delicious with this easy red pepper sauce
Pasta - serve as a sauce for pasta
Pizza sauce - the tastiest sauce for pizza
Sunday dinner - great with a roast, but gorgeous with a puff pastry pie, try it with this butternut squash, red pepper and potato plait
Wellington - serve with a mushroom wellington for Sunday dinner
Wrap - keep some and spread it on a wrap with falafel and salad

Is it worth making a homemade nut roast sauce?

It's definitely worth making your own nut roast sauce.

This red pepper sauce is a delicious condiment that works perfectly with a nut roast, whether you use it as a glaze, pour it over as a sauce or serve it on the side in a jug or gravy boat for your guests to serve themselves.

You won't find any sauce quite as flavourful and tasty in the supermarket.

And it's quick and easy to make too.

The sweetness and smokiness of this dairy-free sauce complement the nutty texture and flavour of a nut roast beautifully.

Tweak the flavour to your liking and it can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer until you are ready to serve it with your Sunday roast.

Give this red pepper sauce a try and take your next nut loaf to the next level.

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How to make the red pepper sauce for nut roasts

A step-by-step photo guide followed by a full printable recipe, so your pepper sauce will turn out perfectly every time.

Do feel free to add more spice or chilli if you like a bit of heat.

Step 1

In a large pan, saute the onion and garlic in the olive oil until soft.
Add the peppers and cook gently for a few minutes until they soften too.

Step 2

Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, vinegar, herbs and spices to the sauce.

Step 3

Stir the flavourings into the sauce and cook gently for 10 minutes to allow the flavours to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Season with salt and pepper and taste to check the seasoning. Add more if you think it needs it.
Blend your sauce to your preferred texture and then serve spooned over one or two slices of nut roast alongside roast potatoes and vegetables for the perfect Sunday dinner.
Enjoy!

nut roast sauce, nut loaf sauce, red pepper sauce

dinner

British

Yield: 4

Author: Jacqueline Meldrum