Sneaky Baked Ziti...

This recipe is from my friend Jani. 

She has 3 children and cooks very healthy for her family. 

Below is a recipe that I think would be a great addition to any family 

trying to get more vegetables into their diet.

Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:

1 lb. lean ground turkey
2 c. carrots
1 small onion
2 cloves garlic
1 large can tomato puree
2 cans diced tomatoes
salt, pepper, garlic powder, red pepper flakes as desired
1-2 T. honey, agave nectar or sugar
1 lb. ziti 
2 c. mozzarella cheese, grated

DIRECTIONS:

• Put a large pot of water on to bowl, cook pasta al dente, drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet heat olive oil and cook ground turkey over medium heat. Season the meat as desired with garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
• In a food processor (this is where it gets sneaky) add carrots, onion, garlic, and the large can of tomato puree. Process sauce until smooth. 
• Add sauce to ground turkey with the two cans of diced tomatoes. The meat sauce should be a nice consistency although you may need to add a bit of water if it is too thick. 
• To finish this meat sauce add about 1-2 T of honey. The honey is not going to make the meat sauce sweet, it will just take the bitterness out due to using canned tomatoes. 
• Combine meat sauce with the pasta and pour into a 9X13 pan. 
• Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta. 
• Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

A note from the cook:

I really love this dish. I make it low sodium, and it is delicious. 

The carrots give the sauce a creamy color and you won’t even miss the ricotta.