Does this lunch sound horrible?

[pastashapes9]

One onion and one clove of garlic, chopped then heated in sunflower oil for 5 mins. Add two chopped carrots, 1 chopped red pepper, 2 chopped tomatoes, 1 can chopped tomatoes and chopped fresh basil. Simmer for 30 mins then blend, serve with fresh fusilli and cheese.

It’s for my 6.5 month old baby who is weaning, but me and DH are going to have some too.

I’m a crap cook so am just experimenting and trying new things.

Thoughts and suggestions welcome.

Not so unusual when you take into account that as ar as the op is concerned they “made up” this recipe from the contents of the kitchen and they don’t normally cook or aren’t a confident cook.

It just so happens that the ingredients have created a completely standard pasta sauce so it looks like she making a big deal out of nothing but as a non cook not following a recipe and ingredients list can knock your confidence in your judgement.

If you want something a bit richer, stir in a spoon of mascarpone.

It would be helpful for the non confident cooks on the thread if any of you know of a site where you can put ingredients in a list and it will show you recipes for them.

Does such a thing exist?

Was coming on to suggest grating the carrot, or steaming it in the microwave first. Otherwise it takes aaaages to cook.

sounds great - and suggestions for grilling it with the cheese on top sound good too. I wouldn't be adding stock cubes or sugar for 6 month old baby though. if you are worried about the tomatoes not tasting sweet enough, you can fry your onions a bit longer (on low, and slow) so that they caramelized a bit and will make it taste sweeter

The only thing I would say is- with a child that young, I might be inclined to skin the pepper before chopping it.
Likewise tomato skins if using fresh.

You know best how your babies tummy reacts to such

I probably wouldn't bother with the carrot tbh.

My default tomato sauce involves softening and onion in olive oil and adding garlic, tinned chopped tomatoes, a veg stock cube, a tblsp of tom puree and a heaped tsp each of dried Italian herbs and smoked paprika.

I use the same as a base for bolognese but use a beef stock cube (or usually the little pots of stock concentrate)

It sounds lovely. Maybe vary the ingredients slightly.

If I was making this for a weaning baby I would grate the carrot to reduce any choking risks. Sounds good to me and then I would add some chilli flakes / cheese on top of the adults

Oh and you can get low salt stock cubes suitable for 6-12months olds 😊

@LG101
There isnt s checking risk with a blended sauce.

Sounds totally fine and yummy

sounds lovely - I'd eat it!

Weird thing to post in AIBU, it's kind of known that people can be very mean here.

OP please check out the infant feeding and general feed the world topics if you need further advice :)

I grew up cooking and love tossing together little bits for my DC but I know not everyone was taught to cook growing up so good on you for trying to develop a skill

@Ginkypig

It would be helpful for the non confident cooks on the thread if any of you know of a site where you can put ingredients in a list and it will show you recipes for them.

Does such a thing exist?

The BBC Good Food site has that option, I've used it in the past and you get some nice new ideas for ingredients you may only have used in one or two ways.

There's a very similar recipe in the What Mummy Makes book - see photo - I made it at the weekend and my DD loves it.

I'd really recommend that book actually if you're wanting to cook food for the family - it's easy to follow, tasty recipes and no weird ingredients like some of the other weaning books although she has a bit of an obsession with garlic paste, garlic granules and smoked paprika, so now I do too 😂

Sounds lovely to me. My toddler likes similar sauces to that. We also add things like a tin of black beans or some puy lentils too.

@Ginkypig the BBC good food app let's you search by ingredient. If you join the BBC good food Facebook page its a fab supportive community with everything from novice cooks to professional chefs. I get lots of ideas on there.

My toddler likes similar sauces to that. We also add things like a tin of black beans or some puy lentils too.

I'd add cake.

Agree no additional sugar needed if you’re using sweet vegetables already (tomato, carrots red peppers).

The poster who suggested butter to thicken the sauce—inspired. Babies need healthy fats.

Bon appetit.

Sounds too acidic for me. Used to do a similar recipe with tuna but used a lot of parmesan. Nowadays even that would give me heartburn.
I struggle with my weight but have found low carb works and no longer think of cream as the devil. Plus damps down acidity.
For an adult, something to add sweetness eg the carrot and cream with parmesan.

Should add any creamy sauces now are paired with protein. Got a great one for mustard and tarragon chicken

Hi, sounds good! I’ve just started weaning my little girl and I bought the what mummy makes book by Rebecca Wilson. There are nutritious and lovely ideas for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I’ve found it a life saver to make sure I’m not giving Margot the same food every day any it’s food I like too.

I wouldn’t add sugar if it’s for a baby! The tomatoes and carrots will be sweet enough for baba!
It sounds yummy. I do recommend annabel karmel for recipe and menu ideas a.