Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce (with a hidden veggie twist)

Looking for a versatile and nutritious homemade tomato sauce that the whole family will love? This easy recipe is packed with hidden veggies, natural sweetness from dried fruit, and the goodness of whole, simple ingredients. Perfect for a dipping sauce, adding flavour to pasta or pizza, and as a tomato base for your favourite dishes. This tomato sauce is free from artificial additives and preservatives. With its smooth texture and rich flavour, it’s a great way to swap out store-bought tomato sauce and sneak extra nutrients into your children’s meals without sacrificing taste.

Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce 

DIETARY:  V, VEG, GF, NF

AGE GROUP: 12 months+

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Beginner

SERVES: 20

PREP: 5 mins

COOK: 15-20 mins

EQUIPMENT: Hand-held blender

INGREDIENTS:

700g fresh ripe tomatoes (or 700g store-bought tomato passata)

1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 large brown onion, finely diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

4 tablespoons no-salt tomato paste

½ cup grated carrot (about 45g)

½ cup unsweetened pear or apple puree (about 135g)

1-2 tablespoons maple syrup

4 dried apricots (sulphite-free), finely chopped

½ teaspoon pink Himalayan salt

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon arrowroot, tapioca or organic cornstarch powder (optional for thickening)

METHOD:

1. Prepare the Tomatoes: If using fresh tomatoes, place them in a bowl of boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain, cool slightly, and remove the skins. Finely chop the tomatoes before adding them to the sauce.

2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes.

3. Add Ingredients: Stir in the tomatoes (or passata), tomato paste, grated carrot, pear or apple puree, apricots, salt, and oregano.

4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the arrowroot if you wish to thicken and simmer for an additional 2-3 mins or simply simmer the mixture for longer to reduce the liquid.

5. Puree: Using a hand-held blender, process the mixture until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps.

Serving and storing leftovers:  Serve immediately, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 4 months. Freeze in ice cubes for individual use.

TIPS:

• Easy ingredient swaps:
  Swap maple syrup for honey.

• Baby-friendly version:
  Leave out maple syrup and salt.

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