Homemade Tomato Sauce for Picky Eaters – Easy, Kid-Friendly & Delicious
In today’s digital world, we’re flooded with tips on how to raise good eaters. But let’s be honest – sometimes it feels like your kid survives on thin air. And if they actually do eat something, it’s usually just spaghetti. Sound familiar?
It’s the same at our house – my daughter starts her day with oatmeal, but when it comes to lunch or dinner, spaghetti is the ultimate favorite. As for vegetables… well, she once picked every piece of onion out of her soup because “she didn’t want that.”
That’s why I started experimenting with a homemade tomato sauce she would actually eat – and, to my surprise, I fell in love with it too! Not only is it perfect for spaghetti, but it also works great as a pizza sauce. I always make a bigger batch and pour it hot into jars – it keeps well in the fridge for up to 6 weeks (as long as you don’t add ricotta).
So if you’re looking for a quick, easy, and kid-friendly dinner idea, this is the recipe you’ve been waiting for!
Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 onion
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2.2 lbs (1 kg) ripe tomatoes
- 2–4 cloves of garlic, pressed or finely minced (optional but recommended)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh or dried basil
- Ricotta cheese (optional – for extra creaminess, but it reduces shelf life)
Instructions:
- Finely chop the onion and sauté it in olive oil until soft and translucent.
- Add the pressed garlic and cook for just a few seconds to bring out the flavor.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and add basil if you'd like.
- Let it simmer on low heat until the onion is fully cooked and most of the tomato liquid has evaporated.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth. If you prefer a creamier version, stir in a bit of ricotta at this point.
- If you didn’t add any dairy, pour the hot sauce into sterilized glass jars, seal tightly, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 6 weeks – ready to go whenever you need it!
This recipe has been a real lifesaver for me when I want something fast and tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s simple, delicious, and picky-kid approved!
Pin it on Pinterest, so you always have it on hand when you need a quick, homemade sauce
HELLO WORLD, I’M MONIKA…
...thirty-something mom who loves cooking, hates cleaning, and is constantly searching for a way to become a millionaire by tomorrow (or at least get the house in order).
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