Annabel Karmel's Tasty Recipes

Annabel's Bolognese sauce

Babies are born with an iron store that lasts for about six months, and a baby's iron requirements are particularly high between the ages of six months and two years. This is a critical time for the growth of the brain, and a lack of iron can lead to impaired mental and physical development.

1 tbsp vegetable oil
50g finely chopped onion
20g chopped celery
1 small clove garlic, crushed
1 medium carrot (approx 85g), peeled and grated
100g lean minced beef
150ml Annabel Karmel's Tomato, Carrot and Cheese Sauce (from Boots)
100ml unsalted stock or boiling water
quarter tsp fresh thyme leaves or a pinch of dried thyme
pinch sugar
3 tbsp Annabel's organic mini pasta shells (from Boots)

Heat the oil in a saucepan and saute the onion and celery over a low heat for about five minutes, stirring occasionally until softened. Add the garlic and cook for one minute. Add the grated carrot and saute for four minutes. In a separate pan, dry fry the minced beef until browned, stirring occasionally. Add to the onion and carrot.

Pour over the tomato and basil sauce, boiling water or stock and add the thyme and pinch of sugar. Cover and cook over a low heat for about 12 minutes. Remove from the pan and pulse for a second or two in a blender to make a smoother texture.

Meanwhile, cook the shell pasta according to the packet instructions. Drain and mix with the Bolognese sauce.

Makes 3 portions

For more on nutrition and feeding your baby and toddler visit www.annabelkarmel.com