Babies are born with an iron store that lasts for about 6 months, and a baby’s iron requirements are particularly high between the ages of 6 months and 2 years. This is a critical time for the growth of the brain, and a lack of iron can lead to impaired mental and physical development. 1 in 5 babies aged 10 to 12 months is deficient in iron.

When iron stores are low, less of the oxygen carrying pigment haemoglobin is made and less oxygen gets to the brain, resulting in difficulty concentrating and a shortened attention span. A lack of iron also makes you feel tired.

Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil
50g finely chopped onion
20g chopped celery
1 small clove garlic, crushed
1 medium carrot (approx 85g), peeled and grated
100 g lean minced beef
150 ml Passata
100 ml unsalted stock or boiling water
1/4 tsp fresh thyme leaves or a pinch of dried thyme
a pinch of sugar
3 tbsp Annabel Karmel's Mini Pasta Shells

Method:

Heat the oil in a saucepan and sauté the onion and celery over a low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened. Add the garlic and cook for one minute. Add the grated carrot and sauté for 4 minutes. In a separate pan, dry fry the minced beef until browned, stirring occasionally. Add to the onion and carrot. Pour over the tomato and basil sauce, boiling water or stock and add the thyme and pinch of sugar. Cover and cook over a low heat for about 12 minutes. Remove from the pan and pulse for a second or two in a blender to make a smoother texture.

Meanwhile, cook the shell pasta according to the packet instructions. Drain and mix with the Bolognese sauce.

Information

Suitable for freezing
From 9 months
MAKES 3 PORTIONS