Healthy Gnocchi for Kids, Babies & Toddlers
This gnocchi dinner is comforting, creamy and delicious to fill little tummies. Better yet, it has hidden health power thanks to red lentils in the sauce! Lentils add protein and fibre to the dinner table while blending seamlessly into the tomato sauce for a reassuringly smooth finish.
Ingredients
- 1 package of fresh or dried gnocchi, usually 500g / 16oz
- 2 cloves of garlic
- ½ tsp dried Italian herb mix
- 14 oz (400 g) can of tomatoes*
- ¼ cup (4 Tbsp) dried red lentils
- Handful of grated cheese**
Instructions
- In a saucepan, heat a little olive oil and sauteé the garlic until soft. Add the herbs and mix in until fragrant (just a few seconds) before adding the canned tomatoes.
- Fill the empty can 1/3rd full of water and then add that to the pan with the lentils.
- Heat until bubbling and then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the lentils are soft.
- Puree the sauce with an immersion blender, or by transferring to a blender.
- Add the cheese over a low heat until it's melted through.
- Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions and add to the pan.
Notes
* I'd recommend using whole tomatoes canned in juice. They are usually tastier than chopped canned tomatoes.
** You want a flavorful cheese - like a mature (sharp) cheddar, or parmesan for older kids.
Serving: 1g, Calories: 166kcal, Carbohydrates: 28g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 25mg, Sodium: 58mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 1g