Spagateni: A Kid-Created Tomato Sauce
One of our favorite tomato sauce recipes was created by six-year-old Thomas McNair from Fort Worth, Texas. His idea was to blend carrots into the sauce so they would add natural sweetness and extra nutrition - even for people who don't usually like carrots!
This recipe is a wonderful reminder that cooking is about experimenting, tasting, and creating your own family favorites.
Recipe created by Thomas McNair, age 6.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 2 medium carrots
- 1/2 onion
- Garlic, basil, and oregano to taste
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup milk
Directions
- Grate or finely chop the carrots and onion.
- Heat the olive oil in a saucepan and sauté the carrots and onion until softened.
- Add the crushed tomatoes.
- Stir in the rosemary, garlic, basil, and oregano.
- Simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low. Slowly stir in the milk and warm gently for about 5 minutes without boiling.
- Serve over pasta or use as a dipping sauce.
Kid Chef Tips
- Carrots naturally add sweetness to tomato sauce.
- Grate vegetables finely so they cook quickly.
- Taste the sauce before adding extra seasonings.
- Stir occasionally while simmering.
Why Add Carrots?
Carrots naturally balance the acidity of tomatoes while adding vitamins, fiber, and a touch of sweetness. Many cooks use carrots instead of extra sugar to create a smoother, more balanced tomato sauce.
Kid Chef Spotlight
Thomas originally said, "You can't even taste the onions!" That's a great example of how experimenting in the kitchen often leads to new family recipes. Don't be afraid to try your own combinations of herbs and vegetables.