Spaghetti Bolognaise Karmel-style

Hidden Vegetable Bolognaise

Makes 8 toddler portions

If your child won’t eat vegetables then bolognaise is a good way to hide them. The apple is an unusual ingredient but adds a sweetness that children enjoy.

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped (90g)
1 small leek, thinly sliced (35g)
1/2 stick celery, diced (15g)
1/4 small red pepper, diced (25g)
1 small carrot, peeled and grated (30g)
1/2 eating apple, peeled, cored and grated (75g)
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 x 400g/14oz tin chopped tomatoes
450g/1lb minced beef
4 tbsp tomato puree
2 tbsp tomato ketchup
250ml/9fl oz beef stock
1/4 tsp dried oregano

Heat the oil in a large frying pan and sauté the vegetables, apple and garlic for 10 minutes, until soft. Transfer to a blender and add the tomatoes then whiz until smooth.

Wipe out the pan with a piece of kitchen paper then add the mince and fry over a medium-high heat, breaking the mince up with a wooden spoon, until browned (you may need to do this in two batches). If your child likes a finer texture then you can transfer the browned mince to a food processor and whiz until well chopped.

Add the tomato and vegetable sauce to the mince then stir in the tomato puree, ketchup, stock and oregano. Bring to a simmer and cook for 40-45 minutes, until the sauce is thick. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

While the sauce is cooking, put the spaghetti on to boil and cook according to the packet instructions - it should take between 5 and 12 minutes, depending on the brand. Drain and serve with the sauce.

This recipe comes from Annabel's Fussy Eaters recipe book (Ebury) which costs £14.99. For more food ideas, try www.annabelkarmel.com

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