Kid Friendly Meatballs In Tomato Veggy Sauce

I have one son who is adamantly against trying anything with any type of vegetable in it (even tomatoes, they can only be in the form of tomato sauce, not even ketchup)  When asked what kind of vegetables he eats, he proudly answers 'pickles'.  Cant get him to try anything new, because he's scared of what will be in it.  We've offered him everything imaginable to get him to taste a new food, but he is more stubborn then anyone I've ever met (and I've been acquainted with quite a few stubborn people in my life time)
I often try to disguise vegetables, by putting it into foods he does eat.  Last night for supper, I served meatballs and spaghetti.  To bring in more nutrition, I placed carrots and celery in the food processor before adding it to the sauce.  Verdict: Successful!  Plates were all empty at the end of the meal, and my husband commented that there was something different about the sauce that actually made it taste even better then normally.

Kid Friendly Meatballs In Tomato Veggy Sauce

Sauce

• 1 large carrot - chopped in large chunks
• 2 stalks of celery - chopped in large chunks
• 2 Tablespoons oil
• 1 large onion - diced very small
• 5 cloves garlic - crushed or minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon chili
• 3/4 teaspoon sugar
• 2 small cans tomato sauce

Place carrots and celery in food processor, and pulse till almost a thick paste.  Heat oil in medium sized pot.  Saute onions till slightly brown. Add garlic and spices, mix over low flame.  Add tomato sauce, 1 can of water, and carrot mixture from food processor.  Bring to boil, then lower to simmer as you prepare the meatballs.
Meatballs

• 1 lb ground meat
• 1 egg beaten
• 1/4 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
• 2 Tablespoons ketchup
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 cup water 

Place all ingredients in bowl and mix till uniform texture.  With damp hands, form walnut size balls and add to sauce.  Simmer for one hour.  Serve over whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier meal.



Vegetables in food processor.



Vegetables after processing.



 

Bon appétit,
Chanie