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Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce for Kids Recipe

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4.4 from 2 reviews

This Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce is a flavorful and nutritious way to sneak a variety of roasted vegetables into your kids’ meals. Packed with sweet roasted garlic, fresh Roma tomatoes, colorful veggies, and aromatic herbs, this smooth sauce is perfect for pairing with their favorite pasta. The roasting process enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables, making it both delicious and kid-friendly.

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 1 head garlic, unpeeled
  • 2 large carrots
  • 1 small yellow squash
  • 1 small zucchini
  • 1 medium red bell pepper
  • 6–8 fresh Roma tomatoes
  • 1/2 medium onion
  • 4–6 oz white mushrooms

Seasonings & Oils

  • 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for the garlic
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, and if your sheet pan is small, prepare two pans to spread out the veggies evenly for roasting.
  2. Prepare the garlic: Slice about 1/4 inch off the top of the garlic head, exposing the tops of the cloves. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and wrap the garlic tightly in foil. Set aside to roast with the vegetables.
  3. Chop the vegetables: Cut the carrots, yellow squash, and zucchini into even-sized sticks—quarters lengthwise, then halved crosswise for the squash works well. Halve the red bell pepper and remove the seeds. Cut Roma tomatoes in half vertically, and halve any large mushrooms. Leave the half onion intact.
  4. Season the vegetables: Arrange all chopped vegetables onto the prepared baking sheet(s). Drizzle them with 2 tablespoons olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat all pieces well.
  5. Roast the vegetables and garlic: Place the foil-wrapped garlic head on the baking sheet among the vegetables. Roast everything in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the veggies are tender and softened. Stir the vegetables once halfway through cooking for even roasting. If using two pans, rotate their positions halfway through.
  6. Blend the sauce: Transfer the roasted vegetables to a high-speed blender. Unwrap the garlic and squeeze the softened cloves out of their peels directly into the blender. Blend the mixture until completely smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to thin it to your desired consistency.
  7. Serve: Spoon the hidden veggie pasta sauce over your favorite cooked pasta and enjoy a nutrient-packed, kid-friendly meal.

Notes

  • You can use vegetable broth instead of water to add more depth of flavor to the sauce.
  • The sauce keeps well refrigerated for up to 5 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Feel free to adjust the seasoning to taste, especially if your kids prefer less salt or herbs.
  • For a smoother texture, blend for longer and strain through a fine mesh sieve if desired.
  • Adding a pinch of sugar can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes if your tomatoes are very tart.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/hidden-veggie-pasta-sauce-for-kids-recipe/