We've featured a few of Annabel Karmel's recipes for dishes that are toddler/ young child friendly as well as nutritious, in yesterday's Arts & Life. Below are a couple more, taken from her best selling book The Complete Baby & Toddler Meal Planner.
While they might be intended for youngsters, I can't see many adults complaining if these dishes they made their way onto the dinner table.
If you don't want a vegetarian version, you can stir in 170g cooked prawns or chicken with the rice.
Prep time 8 minutes
Cooking time 30 mins
4 portions
200g rice
2 tbsp sunflower oil
2 eggs
2 tbsp soy sauce plus 1 tsp
2 shallots, thinly sliced
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 tbsp soft dark brown sugar
50g baby corn, cut into small disks
quarter red pepper, diced
100g frozen peas
Steps:
Cook the rice according to the packet instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water and leave to cool.
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok. Beat the eggs with 1 tsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp water. Add to the wok and cook to make a large omelette.
Break up with a spoon or spatula and transfer to a plate. Heat the remaining 1 tbsp oil and stir fry the shallots for 2 to 3 minutes until starting to brown.
Stir in the garlic and cook for one minute, then stir in the sugar and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring until the sugar has melted. Add the pepper and corn and soften for 3 to 4 minutes.
Add the rice and peas and stir fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the rice is hot and peas have defrosted.
Stir in remaining soy sauce and the omelette pieces. Serve with extra soy sauce if liked
.
Anyone with children will know that when it comes to eating, fuss is often high on the menu. As a parent you want your child to have a healthy nutritious and tasty diet, but persuading them it's a good idea is a different matter !
This hidden vegetable bolognese makes a tasty meal for the whole family. The apple is an unusual ingredient but adds a hint of sweetness that children enjoy. Serve with spaghetti or rice or you can top with a mix of mashed potato and carrot to make delicious mini cottage pies...
Preparation: 15 minutes
Cooking: 1 hour
Makes 8 portions
Suitable for freezing
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small leek, thinly sliced
1/2 stick celery, diced
1/4 small red pepper, diced
1 small carrot, peeled and grated
1/2 eating apple, peeled and grated
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes
450g (1lb) minced beef
4 tbsp tomato purée
2 tbsp tomato ketchup
250ml (9fl oz) beef stock (I use Telma kosher stock cube)
1/4 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper
Heat the oil in a large frying pan and sauté the vegetables, apple and garlic for 10 minutes until soft. Transfer to a blender and add the tomatoes, then whiz until smooth.
Wipe out the pan with a piece of kitchen paper, then add the mince and fry over a medium-high heat, breaking the mince up with a wooden spoon, until browned (you may need to do this in two batches). If your child likes a finer texture you can transfer the browned mince to the food processor and whiz for a few seconds.
Add the tomato and vegetable sauce to the mince and stir in the tomato purée, ketchup, stock, and oregano. Bring to a simmer and cook for 40-45 minutes until the sauce is thick. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
All recipes and images courtesy: The Complete Baby & Toddler Meal Planner by Annabel Karmel, Ebury Press
