5 simple and healthy recipes for a child's dinner
A healthy diet for a child is crucial for their proper development, health and well-being. Meals should be rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals, and at the same time adapted to the tastes of the youngest. In this article, we present five simple and healthy recipes for a child's lunch, in line with the principles of child nutrition. These dishes will work well as both a full-value lunch at home and a lunchbox for children for school.
1. Baked chicken meatballs with vegetables
Lean poultry meatballs are a great option for children. They are easily digestible, rich in protein and go great with vegetables.
Ingredients:
-
300 g ground turkey,
-
1 small carrot (grated),
-
½ zucchini (grated),
-
1 egg,
-
2 tablespoons whole grain bread crumbs,
-
Salt and pepper to taste,
-
1 tablespoon olive oil.
Preparation:
-
Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
-
Form small meatballs and place them on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
-
Bake in an oven preheated to 180°C for 20-25 minutes.
-
Serve with mashed potatoes and boiled broccoli.
➡ Tip : Perfect for kids' lunchboxes for school - the meatballs taste good both hot and cold.
2. Whole wheat pasta with tomato sauce and vegetables
Pasta is a favorite food for many children. By choosing a whole grain version and adding vegetables, we provide our child with valuable nutrients.
Ingredients:
-
100 g whole grain pasta,
-
1 can of chopped tomatoes,
-
½ onion,
-
1 clove of garlic,
-
½ red pepper,
-
½ zucchini,
-
1 teaspoon olive oil,
-
Salt and basil to taste.
Preparation:
-
Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package.
-
In a pan, fry the onion and garlic in olive oil.
-
Add chopped pepper and zucchini, fry for 5 minutes.
-
Add canned tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes, season to taste.
-
Mix the sauce with the pasta and serve.
➡ Tip : You can add pieces of cheese or chicken for extra protein.
3. Rice with vegetables and baked salmon
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support baby's brain development.
Ingredients:
-
1 salmon fillet,
-
½ cup of brown rice,
-
½ carrot,
-
½ zucchini,
-
1 tablespoon olive oil,
-
Salt and Provençal herbs to taste.
Preparation:
-
Drizzle the salmon with olive oil and sprinkle with herbs, then bake at 180°C for 20 minutes.
-
Cook the rice according to instructions.
-
In a pan, fry the grated carrots and zucchini, add the cooked rice.
-
Serve the rice with the baked salmon.
➡ Tip : Can be served as a healthy meal for children to take to school – just pack it in a lunchbox.
4. Zucchini pancakes with yogurt dip
Zucchini pancakes are an easily digestible and tasty dish for the little ones.
Ingredients:
-
1 zucchini,
-
1 egg,
-
2 tablespoons of whole wheat flour,
-
Salt and pepper,
-
2 tablespoons of natural yogurt,
-
1 teaspoon lemon juice.
Preparation:
-
Grate the zucchini, squeeze out excess water.
-
Add egg, flour and spices, mix.
-
Fry in a hot pan with a little olive oil.
-
Mix yogurt with lemon juice and serve as a dip.
➡ Tip : Great as a snack or meal for kids to take to school.
5. Millet with vegetables and turkey
Millet is an excellent source of fiber and vitamins.
Ingredients:
-
½ cup of millet,
-
100 g turkey fillet,
-
½ carrot,
-
½ broccoli,
-
1 teaspoon olive oil,
-
Salt and pepper to taste.
Preparation:
-
Cook the groats according to the instructions on the package.
-
Slice the turkey and fry in olive oil.
-
Add grated carrots and broccoli florets, fry for 5 minutes.
-
Mix with groats and season to taste.
➡ Tip : Millet is a great base for various dinner options.
Summary
A healthy diet for a child should be diverse and provide all the necessary nutrients. These meals are perfect for both a home-cooked dinner and a lunchbox for children to take to school. With proper planning and knowledge of the principles of children's nutrition, you can easily introduce healthy eating habits into your child's daily menu.