Hidden vegetable bolognaise

You will need
1tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped (90g)
1 small leek, thinly sliced (35g)
½ stick celery, diced (15g)
¼ small red pepper, diced (25g)
1 small carrot, peeled and grated (30g)
½ eating apple, peeled, cored and grated (75g)
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 x 400g/14oz tin chopped tomatoes
450g/1lb minced beef
4 tbsp tomato puree
2 tbsp tomato ketchup
250ml/9fl oz beef stock
¼ tsp dried oregano

Method
1
Heat the oil in a large frying pan and sauté the vegetables, apple and garlic for 10 minutes, until soft. Transfer to a blender and add the tomatoes then whiz until smooth.

2
Wipe the pan out with a piece of kitchen paper then add the mince and fry over a medium-high heat, breaking the mince up with a wooden spoon, until browned (you may need to do this in two batches). If your child likes a finer texture then you can transfer the browned mince to a food processor and whiz until well chopped.

3
Add the tomato and vegetable sauce to the mince then stir in the tomato puree, ketchup, stock and oregano.

4
Bring to a simmer and cook for 40-45 minutes, until the sauce is thick. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

serves 6