Nutrition plays a vital role in children’s development and establishing healthy eating habits early can set children up for a lifetime of good food choices. At Hearts & Minds, our nursery cook Kerri creates nutritious, balanced meals that children love.
One of our most popular dishes is Kerri’s vegetable-packed pasta sauce, which incorporates hidden vegetables for those children who might be reluctant to eat them whole. This month, we’ve been involving our preschoolers in food preparation, letting them help with simple tasks like washing vegetables and tearing lettuce for salads.
Studies show that children who are involved in food preparation are more likely to try new foods. Here’s Kerri’s recipe for you to try at home:
Kerri’s Hidden Vegetable Pasta Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, grated
- 1 courgette, grated
- 1 red pepper, finely diced
- 1 tin chopped tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato purée
- 1 teaspoon dried mixed herbs
- A little olive oil
Method:
- Gently fry the onion in olive oil until soft
- Add the grated carrots, courgette, and diced pepper, cooking until soft
- Add the tinned tomatoes, tomato purée, and herbs
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes
- Blend until smooth (or leave chunky if your children prefer)
- Serve with pasta of your choice
This sauce can be frozen in portions for convenient healthy meals and can also be used as a base for bolognese by adding cooked mince.