I’m going to go out on a limb here and postulate that I am not the only mom out there with picky-pants children. If this is the case for you as well, then you are probably familiar with the fine art of sneaking in veggies. I’ve made quite a study of this art over the last few years, and actually created a whole series of recipes in which I have endeavored to unobtrusively imbue kid-approved dishes with added nutrition. This recipe for Carrot Applesauce fits that mold perfectly.
Now, I realize that putting a vegetable in applesauce is not a new idea. You can buy those little pouches at the grocery store in enumerable variations and they are unbeatable for convenience. But the thing is, those boogers are expensive! As my kids are getting bigger I find that one pouch is a very small portion size, and I can’t afford to be shelling out $4 a meal just for fruit/veggie pouches so that each kid can have two, in addition to whatever other food that might go with it. So now I just make my own, and they have to eat it with a spoon like normal people instead of sucking it up through a straw. Bummer, I know.
So if you find yourself in need of a kid-friendly veggie dish that won’t break the bank, this Carrot Applesauce recipe might be just what you are looking for! With only three ingredients (no sugar added!) and minimal cooking skills required, this is a great option for families of all kinds.
- 6 large apples
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 3/4 cup water
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Peel, core, and slice apples, and then slice carrots. Add both to a large pot and pour water over top. Bring to a boil and then cover and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally, until carrots and apples are soft. Remove from heat and allow it to cool until just warm. Transfer to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. If mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until desired consistency is reached. Makes about 1 quart. Store in refrigerator for up to a week.
This recipe works best with sweeter varieties of apples, like Jonagold or Golden Delicious.
This is such a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables! Plus it’s a pretty color! )
I do love the vibrant color!
Naturally colored, naturally sweetened, and I KNOW it tastes amazing! Such a great recipe, Jordan!
Thanks so much! My kids eat it and it’s healthy, so that’s all I can really ask for lol.
This is so interesting! I have a picky 2 year old and I can’t wait to test this out with him! I also have another on the way and am thinking this would be perfect for when she’s ready for her first foods!
Yes! It would be great for both of them. I even eat some myself here and there.
Ooh, I have to try this! I buy those applesauce pouches in bulk and we go through them so fast. I also have to check out your other sneaky kid recipes. Despite all my best “baby led weaning,” my kids hate everything I make. Ugh.
It’s so frustrating! I hate being the food blogger whose kids won’t eat her food lol. Hope this recipe helps you!
This looks great! My kids love applesauce! I’ll need to try this.
Hope they like it!
This makes so much sense. Those pre-made pouches are so expensive, and yet a good way to get those nutrients into the kids. This is a great option!
Thanks! If you try it let me know how you like it!
My little 10-month-old is super picky. I totally needed this!
Thanks for joining #WanderingWednesday!
Hope it helps!
What a great way to get a few more veggies into our kids! I love how easy you’ve made it look!
Thanks for sharing on #WanderingWednesday with Choosing Wisdom! 💕
Thanks for hosting!
Love this! I make all kinds of “fancy applesauces” as I call them for my twins, including carrot. They love them!
‘Fancy applesauces’ are so fun!
Carrots and apples together…yes please! Thanks for sharing on Friday Frenzy!
My pleasure!
My kids eat anything! But don’t worry they’ve got other ways to be picky!
I’m sure they do! Kids are persnickety that way 😉
The carrot in the applesauce sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing at Friday Frenzy Link Party! PINNED 🙂
Thanks!
This sounds delicious! We are BIG applesauce lovers in our house, I’ll have to sneak some carrots in next time!
I’m alllll about sneaking in veggies 😉