Hidden Veggie Lentil Bolognese

🛒Ingredients

Makes 4 family servings. Tap to check off as you go.

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, finely grated
• 1 small zucchini, finely grated
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 cup (100 g) dried red lentils, rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) no-salt-added crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 cups (200 g) small whole wheat pasta shapes

Contains: wheat.

🍳Instructions

1. 

   1Soften the veggies

   Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Cook the onion, carrot and zucchini for 5 minutes until soft, then add the garlic for 1 minute.

2. 

   2Add lentils and tomatoes

   Stir in the lentils, tomatoes, water and oregano and bring to a simmer.

3. 

   3Simmer until thick

   Simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring often, until the lentils are completely soft and the sauce is thick. Add a splash of water if it gets too dry.

4. 

   4Cook the pasta

   Meanwhile, cook the pasta in unsalted water until soft, then drain.

5. 

   5Toss together

   Stir the pasta into the sauce, or spoon the sauce on top.

6. 

   6Serve

   Cool slightly and serve. Set aside your toddler's portion before adding salt or Parmesan for the adults.

👶How to serve by age

🔄Allergy & diet swaps

Gluten-free

Serve over gluten-free pasta or soft rice instead of whole wheat pasta.

Meat version

Replace half the lentils with 1/2 lb (225 g) lean ground beef, cooked to 160°F (71°C).

Extra veggies

Stir in a handful of finely chopped spinach in the last 5 minutes.

💡Tips

• Blend the sauce smooth for babies or very picky eaters.
• Freeze the sauce in ice cube trays for quick toddler portions.
• Lentils plus tomatoes is a great combo: the vitamin C helps the body absorb the iron.

🧊Storage & safety

Storage: Fridge: 3 days. Freezer: 3 months (sauce only). Reheat until hot all the way through.

Suggested age: 9 months+. Every child is different — serve textures and sizes that match your toddler's chewing skills.

❓Questions parents ask