{Gluten Free} Pasta Sauce

I used to think that kids were picky eaters because their parents allowed them to be but boy was I wrong! My little man has been a picky eater since the first time we introduced him to solids! I tried and continued to try to offer him veggies and new kinds of foods but he just was not having it. I was shocked because our first born loved to eat anything and everything we’d put in front of her. Because of our little mans pickiness I have had to figure out ways to sneak the good stuff in there, make it fun and interesting, and of course extra flavorful so that he will not only eat it but also enjoy it too! What tricks do you use to get your little ones to eat their veggies?

A nice hearty veggie sauce is one of my favorite ways to sneak in the good stuff with out them ever
suspecting it! I like to start out with either a plain tomato sauce or even this marinara from trader joes as the base for my sauce and then add in all these great fresh veggies.

What you’ll need:
A can opener
A large pot
Knife
Cutting board
Microplane or garlic press
Heat resistant mixing spoon

Ingredients:
A can of tomato sauce or marinara
1 onion
3-4 cloves of garlic
1 bell pepper or a few baby bell peppers
1 large handful of spinach
1 zucchini
1 carrot
A few basil leaves
Some mushrooms
Spices- salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano
1/2 cup red wine (optional)
Top secret ingredient… 2 tablespoons of something sweet either sugar, agave, honey whatever suites your fancy 

Now for the how to:
First thing you want to do is chop up all your veggies. I start by dicing my onion.

Then I use a Microplane to grate the garlic. Here’s a tip especially if you’re trying to sneak those veggies in with out your kids complaining… Chop up your veggies really small. I like to get a nice even   dice on all my vegetable. Then you’ll want to heat up your sauce pot and pour in a couple tablespoons of olive oil. Once that is hot toss in your onions and garlic. Let that cook for a minute or
two. Then you’ll want to add your bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini. Once you get that all incorporated you’ll want to add some of your spices. (Sorry I don’t have measurements for this; I just shake some in and mix it all up.) After that you’ll add the spinach, basil, and mushrooms. Stir it around real good and let it cook down for a few minutes. Then pour in your sauce, wine, and your top secret ingredient. Stir it around and let it simmer on a low heat. The longer you let it simmer the better it will taste. If you’re short on time though at least let it simmer for 20-30 minutes.
Tonight I used this sauce to make a nice cheesy lasagna. But this sauce can be used on pasta, chicken, or anything you like. Happy cooking!