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–+ servings

Hidden Veg Pasta Sauce: Kid approved a family favourite!

Looking for a way to sneak more veggies into your kids’ meals without complaints? This Kid-Approved Hidden Veggie Sauce is the ultimate solution! Packed with natural sweetness from red peppers and sweet potatoes and perfectly seasoned with paprika and cumin, it’s a versatile sauce your little ones will love. Serve it over pasta, use it as a pizza base, or even as a dipping sauce for snacks. Bonus? It makes 2.5 jars, so you’ll have plenty to freeze for those busy weeknights!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Lunch, Main Course, Side Dish
Servings 2.5 jars

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 onions
  • 1 red pepper diced
  • 2 small sweet potatoes peeled and diced
  • 1 heaped teaspoon paprika
  • 1 heaped teaspoon cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 tins chopped tomatoes
  • ½ tin water (use your tomato tin)

Instructions
 

  • Soften the Onions
    In a wide pot, warm 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. This gentle cooking brings out their natural sweetness.
  • Add Veggies & Spices
    Add the diced red pepper, sweet potato, paprika, cumin, salt, and honey to the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the flavorful spices and honey. Cook for 2 minutes to awaken the aromas and slightly caramelize the ingredients.
  • Add Tomatoes & Water
    Pour in the 2 tins of chopped tomatoes and rinse each tin with a splash of cold water, adding the water to the pot. This ensures no tomato is wasted and helps create the perfect sauce consistency.
  • Simmer to Perfection
    Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cover the pot with a lid. Let the sauce cook for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce is ready when the sweet potatoes are soft, and the mixture has thickened.

Blend & Store

  • Once cooked, blend the sauce to your desired consistency. For a super-smooth finish, use a blender or immersion stick. For a chunkier texture, pulse it lightly.
  • Transfer the sauce into sterilized jars or containers, leaving an inch at the top if freezing to allow for expansion. Store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!