Are you tired of battling with picky eaters who turn their noses up at vegetables? Prepare to revolutionize mealtime with our incredible Hidden Veg Pasta Sauce - a culinary magic trick that transforms ordinary sauce into a nutrient-packed powerhouse! This ingenious recipe cleverly disguises wholesome zucchini, carrots, and other nutritious ingredients into a deliciously smooth sauce that even the most vegetable-resistant family members won't be able to resist.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 cups
Ingredients
- 1 zucchini, grated
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Grate the zucchini and carrot using a box grater or food processor. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan with the onions. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Next, add the grated zucchini and carrot to the pan. Stir well to combine all the vegetables and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing them to soften.
- Once the vegetables are softened, pour in the can of crushed tomatoes. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients.
- Season the sauce with dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir to combine all the flavors.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld together and the sauce to thicken.
- After 20 minutes, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend it to your desired consistency.
- Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat. Serve it over your favorite pasta or use it as a base for other dishes.
- Enjoy your delicious Hidden Veg Pasta Sauce, packed with nutrients and flavor!
Tips
- Grate vegetables finely to ensure they melt seamlessly into the sauce
- Use a food processor for quick and uniform vegetable preparation
- Don't rush the simmering process - slow cooking helps develop rich, deep flavors
- For extra smoothness, use an immersion blender to create a silky texture
- If sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or pasta cooking water to adjust consistency
- This sauce freezes beautifully - make a double batch and store for quick future meals
- For added nutrition, consider adding a handful of spinach or bell peppers during cooking
- Experiment with herbs like basil or thyme to customize the flavor profile
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
