Sausage Ragu with Quinoa (or Couscous)

Meat or vegetarian option

Intermediate

Difficulty level icon

Recipe by Dietitian Cath Fogarty

Modifications

Equipment

Preparation

Note that if modifications are made this may alter the state and nutritional value of the recipe. It is the responsibility of the caregiver to ensure the consistency of the feed is appropriate. Aim for a texture similar to pancake batter or drinking yogurt.

  • For a quicker option, try couscous instead of quinoa. Use 60g raw couscous per portion and add the same volume of boiling water (60ml) then leave to stand, covered, for 5-10 mins. Once soft and not crunchy, fork through to make it fluffy. You can also add flavourings to couscous before the water, such as 1 tsp olive oil, salt and pepper, or stock powder.
  • 2 x saucepans
  • Hand or jug blender
  • Sieve
  • Spatula

Timings

Approx.: 45 mins
Preparation: 10 mins
Cook: 35 mins

This recipe was designed for children. Your dietitian should help you calculate the right portion for your child. Some children may need smaller portions e.g. a half portion may be adequate for an older/teenage child.

Nutritional content:

510kcals, 22.1g protein, 10.6g fat, 68.3g carbohydrate, 6.7mg iron, 103mg calcium.

Portion Sizes

Full portion 680ml/ 11.2 x 60ml syringes = 510kcal/22.1g protein
Half portion 340ml/ 5.6 x 60ml syringes = 255kcal/11g protein
Third portion 210g/ 3.5 x 60ml syringes = 158kcal/6.8g protein

High/Low kcal options

To increase calorie content add 30g grated cheddar or non-dairy cheese

Step 1

Warm oil (1 teaspoon) in saucepan over a medium heat and add onion (1/4 onion, diced), carrot (1 small carrot, peeled and diced) and thyme (1/2 teaspoon dried/fresh thyme). Cook for 2-3 mins, stirring occasionally.

Step 2

Add sausages (2 skinless sausages - remove skin if not skinless and cut each sausage into 3 or 4 pieces) and cook for further 2-3 minutes, turning to brown lightly on all sides.

Step 3

Add cannellini beans (100g), tomatoes (100g), stock (100ml), tomato puree (1 teaspoon) and once bubbling cook reduce heat and cook on low to medium heat for 10 mins. It should be gently bubbling.

Step 4

Meanwhile cook quinoa (50g) - rinse quinoa thoroughly in sieve and add to boiling water and cook on low heat for 12-15 mins.

Step 5

Allow ingredients to cool, then blend with 300ml water.

Blending Instructions

This recipe was blended with 300ml water to achieve a pancake batter consistency which yielded 680ml total blend (11 x 60ml syringes) however you may find you need slightly less fluid to blend as you become confident administering blends. Always sieve blends until you are confident you are achieving a completely smooth blend with no bits.

Freezing Instructions

Once blended, this meal can be frozen and used within one month. Defrost thoroughly and bring to room temperature before use. Water may need to be added to reach a pancake batter consistency. Consume with 24hrs of defrosting.

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Nestlé Health Science has worked with healthcare professionals and families to create the articles and videos on this website. All views and opinions expressed are their own, and may not always reflect those of Nestlé Health Science. Tube feed formulas are foods for special medical purposes for use under medical supervision. Blended diets should only be used after consultation with your healthcare professional.