Magic Tomato Sauce

serves 4 as a pasta sauce

Another recipe on our ‘most popular list’. This basic tomato sauce is packed with flavour and can be blended smooth or chunky depending on your family’s preferences. It’s a great base for pizzas, pasta, bolognaise, lasagne, chilli and anything needing a rich tomato base. And look at the veggies we are sneaking in!

Ingredients

1 onion

2- 3 garlic cloves (or to taste)

1 red pepper (capsicum)

1 grated courgette (zucchini)

1 grated carrot

1 tin chopped tomatoes

2 tbsp tomato purée

½ tbsp olive oil

2 teaspoons mixed Italian herbs

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Method*

1. Chop onion and pepper into grape sized piece and dice garlic finely.

2. Fry onions and garlic in oil over a medium heat until the onion starts to soften. Add pepper, carrot and courgette and cook until the vegetables are soft. If necessary add a little water to pan to prevent sticking to bottom of pan.

3. Add chopped tomatoes, puree, herbs and balsamic vinegar and bring to a bubble. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until sauce thickens.

4. Blend into a smooth or chunky puree.

* N.B. Children should always be supervised when cooking, and an adult should oversee the use of heat as well as all preparation involving sharp utensils.

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Assemble and prepare ingredients

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Fry the vegetables over a medium heat

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Add tomatoes, herbs and vinegar

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Blend into a puree

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Serve over pasta

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Enjoy

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Serving suggestion:

Delicious served over pasta. Makes an excellent tomato base for pizzas. Can also be used as a sauce for chicken or fish or used as a dip for vegetables and pitta bread. Freezes well.

 

Try something different…

• Add other coloured peppers, aubergine, celery, a handful of parsley and /or basil to your sauce… a great way to get children eating some healthy veg.
• If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, substitute for a tablespoon of sugar.

 

Did you know?

• Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin A and C.
• Although the tomato is closely associated with Italian and Mediterranean cooking, the tomato originally comes from America and was only first introduced to Europe in the 16th century.
• For more information about tomatoes visit: www.thetomatozone.co.uk

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SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT:

Apron and clean hands

Chopping board

Sharp knife

Garlic press (optional)

Pan or small pot

Wooden spoon

Blender

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet for an adult. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Infants and Toddlers will need less calories according to their age.
Click here for advice on how many calories your child needs.