Hidden Vegetable Marinara

Why Make this?

This super smooth, hidden veggie marinara is perfect for pasta dishes and homemade pizza. The last time my toddler had this, she spent a good 30 minutes dipping breadsticks in it. One happy camper.

Who Can Eat This?

Vegetarians: For sure, this is perfectly meat-free and suitable for us veggies.

Vegans: Yes, for a touch of sweetness use soft brown sugar or maple syrup rather than honey.

Celiacs/coeliacs/gluten intolerant: Definitely, it’s naturally gluten-free, so no need for special substitutes. 

Kid-friendly: This is super kid-friendly as there are no ‘bits’ to contend with. Leave out the honey if giving to a child under one, as there is a risk of infant botulism.

Tip!

I fry the onions for extra flavour when I have time, when I don’t, I skip it and pop them in raw. It still tastes delicious.

Recipe: Hidden Veg Marinara

Ingredients

• 1 medium red onion, chopped
• 1 courgette/zucchini, chopped
• 1/2 cup of red split lentils
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1 carton organic tomato passata (500g)
• 1 carton organic diced tomatoes (400g)
• 2 tablespoons tomato purée
• 1 tablespoon of honey (not for children under 1 year old)
• A handful of fresh basil or 1 tablespoon of dried basil
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper (can be left out for babies and young children)

Instructions

Soup Maker Method

1. Simply place all of the ingredients into the soup maker and set to smooth.
2. Your piping hot marinara will be ready in about 20 minutes. Easy!
3. There’s usually a ‘keep warm’ setting so feel free to it make early in the day and let those flavours develop.

Slow Cooker Method

1. If your slow cooker has a removable pot to sauté then heat the oil and sauté your onion on the stovetop for 5 minutes until lightly golden.
2. Pop your pot back into your slow cooker and add in the other ingredients.
3. Cook on the high setting for 4 hours.
4. Blitz with a soup wand if you’d like an ultra-smooth texture.

Pot Method

1. Finely chop your onion.
2. Heat the oil in your pot and sauté your onion for 5 minutes or until lightly golden.
3. Add in the other ingredients and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Blend with a soup wand if you like it silky smooth.