More Recipes
From The Complete Baby and Toddler Cookbook by America's Test Kitchen
For ages: 2+ years old
Tomatoes are filled with flavor—and a lot of water. To make a thick, savory tomato sauce without simmering this fruit (yes, a fruit!) on the stovetop for a long time, we start with our hands. Squeezing out all the extra water and seeds from the fresh tomatoes before roasting them with garlic guarantees a fun time for your toddler. (Just make sure your child is wearing something that washes easily!) Once blended, the sauce has just the right amount of smooth and velvety body without ever hitting the stovetop.
Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds vine-ripe tomatoes, cored and halved
4 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons sugar
Salt
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
The Complete Baby and Toddler Cookbook
by America's Test Kitchen
Directions
1. Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 425 degrees. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Working over bowl, squeeze each tomato half to remove seeds and excess juice; discard seeds and juice. Transfer tomatoes to large bowl. Stir in garlic, 1 tablespoon oil, sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt; transfer to prepared sheet, arranging tomatoes cut side up in even layer.
3. Bake until tomatoes are very soft and starting to brown around edges, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer sheet to wire rack and let tomatoes cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
4. Carefully transfer tomatoes, garlic, and any accumulated juices from sheet to food processor. Process until smooth, about 1 minute, scraping down bowl as needed. Transfer sauce to clean bowl and stir in remaining 1 tablespoon oil and basil. Season with salt to taste. Serve.
How Your Child Can Help
Squeeze tomatoes in step 2
Combine tomatoes with oil and garlic and arrange on baking sheet in step 2
Tear basil leaves into pieces for step 4
Recipe excerpted from The Complete Baby and Toddler Cookbook by America’s Test Kitchen. Copyright 2019 America’s Test Kitchen.
Before you go...
Each week, The Splendid Table brings you stories that expand your world view, inspire you to try something new and show how food brings us together. We rely on you to do this. And, when you donate, you'll become a member of The Splendid Table Co-op. It's a community of like-minded individuals who love good food, good conversation and kitchen companionship. Splendid Table Co-op members will get exclusive content each month and have special opportunities for connecting with The Splendid Table team.
Donate today for as little as $5.00 a month. Your gift only takes a few minutes and has a lasting impact on The Splendid Table and you'll be welcomed into The Splendid Table Co-op.
