5 Amazing Kid-Friendly Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce Wins
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Create a yummy pasta sauce packed with hidden pureed vegetables. This recipe helps you sneak extra nutrients into meals your picky eaters will love.
- Author: Jen Rwanda
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: About 4 cups
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop Simmer and Blend
- Cuisine: American/General
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 1 cup butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Add the zucchini, carrot, and butternut squash to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until all vegetables are very tender.
- Carefully transfer the sauce mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Blend until completely smooth and no chunks remain.
- Stir in the oregano and basil. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Serve immediately over your favorite pasta.
Notes
- For extra creaminess without dairy, add 1/4 cup of raw cashews to the sauce before blending (soak them in hot water for 10 minutes first).
- You can substitute any firm, mild vegetable for the squash, like parsnips or sweet potato.
- If the sauce is too thick after blending, add a splash more vegetable broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Make a big batch! This sauce freezes beautifully for quick future meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: Approx. 80
- Sugar: Approx. 6g
- Sodium: Approx. 250mg (varies with added salt)
- Fat: Approx. 2g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 13g
- Fiber: Approx. 4g
- Protein: Approx. 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg