Recipes for kids who hate vegetables often have to be rather sneaky. Kids often decide that they don´t like something that they haven´t tried – or they don´t like a particular vegetable this week. So parents have to be smart when making kids´ recipes and meals.So here are some recipes for kids that will help you get those vitamin-packed veggies down them ….
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1. Mini Quiches
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Kids love food that they can eat with their fingers, so these mini quiches could be a great way of sneaking vegetables past them (just be sure to chop the mushrooms up very finely!). It's also a really inventive kids' recipe, because they'll be trying something new. You could also substitute other veggies, such as onions or peppers (chop finely or liquidise the filling).
Mini quiches are a popular and versatile dish that is loved by both kids and adults. They are essentially small, individual-sized versions of the classic French dish, quiche. This particular recipe, featured on a women-focused blog under the cooking category, is a great way to sneak in some vegetables into your child's diet. By finely chopping or pureeing the vegetables, they become less noticeable and more palatable for picky eaters. You can also customize the recipe by using different vegetables such as onions or peppers. Not only is this a creative way to introduce new foods to your child, but it also makes for a convenient and portable snack or meal option.
2. Chicken Noodle Soup
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Soups are an excellent way of disguising the presence of vegetables, so when you´re looking for recipes for kids containing veggies, check out the soup sections. This recipe contains chicken and spaghetti, so the veggies won´t be as obvious. Sneaky, eh!
Chicken Noodle Soup can be the perfect comfort food, but it’s also a fantastic vessel for sneaking in those dreaded veggies. Carrots, celery, and onions meld seamlessly into the flavorful broth, leaving the pickiest eaters none the wiser. Add to that, the fun of slurping spaghetti-like noodles, and you've got a dish that's both nourishing and entertaining. While the chicken provides a familiar protein they know and love, the veggies are quietly boosting their nutrient intake, making every spoonful a win for health, and a delight for their taste buds!
Frequently asked questions
You can try making fun and creative recipes that sneak vegetables into meals without them noticing. These could include blending veggies into pasta sauces, baking them into muffins or fritters, or even mixing them into smoothies!
Turn vegetables into fun shapes with cookie cutters or present them as part of a colorful dish. You can also involve your child in the cooking process to get them more interested in what they're eating.
Yes, you can find recipes that are both low in calories and kid-friendly. Look for recipes where vegetables are pureed and added to sauces or soups, or used in place of higher-calorie ingredients in recipes like cauliflower mashed 'potatoes'.
Keep trying, but avoid making it a confrontation. Offer small portions of vegetables with meals, and encourage them to try at least a bite. Praise them when they do eat veggies, and be patient; tastes can change over time.
You can blend vegetables into sauces, mix grated veggies with other foods they like, or make veggie-based dips for them to enjoy with finger foods. Another idea is to add finely chopped vegetables to patties or meatballs.
3. Vegetable Frankie
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vegetarian-cooking-recipes-tips.com
This is basically an Indian version of tortillas or wraps (flour tortillas would make a decent substitute if you don´t want to make your own). Younger children might prefer the chilli toned down a bit, but this would make a tasty kids´ meal, especially for a picnic or packed lunch.
The Vegetable Frankie is a popular Indian street food that is also loved by kids who are picky eaters. It is a wrap made with a homemade tortilla and filled with a variety of vegetables, making it a nutritious and tasty meal for children. The recipe can be adjusted to suit different taste preferences, such as reducing the amount of chili for younger children. It is also a convenient option for picnics or packed lunches, making it a hit with busy mothers. This dish is a great way to introduce kids to new vegetables and encourage them to eat healthier.
4. Sweet Potato Sticks
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Here´s a bit of a challenge, but definitely worth a try. Kids love fries, and if you can convince them that these are orange fries, you could be onto a winner! Well, they´re called potatoes, aren´t they? And fries are made from potatoes …
5. Bubble & Squeak Potato Cakes
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freshforkids.com.au
As a child, I was not very keen on a lot of vegetables, and I´m still not fond of many of them now. I think if my mother had tried this recipe, though, she might actually have been able to persuade me to eat cabbage! Most kids would love these potato cakes if served with some tomato ketchup.
These delightful little cakes are a creative way to blend potatoes and cabbage, making a dish that's as tasty as it is nutritious. A hint of onion and seasoning, possibly a touch of cheese, can transform the flavor profile to something even the pickiest of eaters can't refuse. The outer layer crisps up beautifully, providing a satisfying contrast to the soft veggie-filled center. Serve them warm, and watch even the most vegetable-averse child (or adult) become a convert. What's more, Bubble & Squeak Potato Cakes can even become a fun food adventure, encouraging kids to take part in cooking and customizing their own meal!
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6. Pasta with Winter Squash and Pine Nuts
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Pasta is a favourite when it comes to meals for kids; this one is a bit more imaginative than most, yet should still appeal. Squash has some sweetness to it, plus most kids love cheese. The recipe suggests using penne, or kids will probably enjoy butterfly pasta.
This delightful dish seamlessly incorporates vitamin-rich winter squash into a creamy, cheese-laden sauce that hugs each pasta piece perfectly. Toasting the pine nuts brings out a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the squash, creating a meal that's both nutritious and irresistibly tasty. Plus, it's a sneaky way to get a serving of vegetables into a dish that looks just like your classic cheesy pasta. It's a win-win for parents and a yummy adventure for little palettes.
7. Carrot Cake Muffins
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This might not be the healthiest way of persuading kids to eat vegetables, but once you have got them to eat these muffins, you can then try them on the savoury version. They´ll be astonished if you admit that the muffins have carrots in them!
Carrot cake muffins are a delicious and sneaky way to get kids to eat their vegetables. This recipe, featured on a women's blog in the cooking category, includes real carrots in the batter. While it may not be the healthiest option, it's a great way to introduce vegetables to picky eaters. Once they've tried the muffins, you can even experiment with a savory version to expand their palate. The recipe has been tested and approved by parents who have successfully tricked their kids into eating vegetables. So next time you're struggling to get your child to eat their veggies, give these carrot cake muffins a try!
8. Antipasto Pizza
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Pizza is definitely a winner for youngsters, so you can´t go wrong when choosing it for kids´ meals. This one has some unusual vegetables, such as artichokes, but your kids might just be willing to try them on the grounds that it´s pizza! You could also make smaller pizzas with different toppings, so that they can sample a bit of each one.
Many children can be fussy about food, but with a bit of ingenuity, you can hide a lot of vegetables in kids´ meals. There are some great recipes for kids, and others that can be adapted. You needn´t even confess what you´ve fed them (well, not for several years, anyway). What recipes for kids are most popular with your family?
Top Photo Credit: weheartit.com
