Turning Kids from Meat Lovers to Green Eaters

Most kids from ages 2 – 5 years old tend to be picky eaters. They often prefer meat and sweets to leafy vegetables and fruits. Even if parents try to hide the fried chicken at the dinner table, children refrain from eating anything they do not like. This problem is common to moms all over the world. Since starving the child is not an option, try putting more creativity in cooking vegetable snacks for the little ones. They might just be waiting for the right dish to turn them from meat lovers to green eaters.

Moms often resort to tricks to get their kids to eat greens. Others distract the child so he/ she will not recognize the broccolis in their plates. Some partner the greens with their child’s favorite so the child will eat them all. One smart move is to cook dishes that  truly combine the healthy goodness of vegetables and the delicious flavors of meat.

Nowadays, there are different dishes that can combine a lot of flavors into one delicious package. Mothers can now breathe in relief of being able to access a lot of healthy and delicious recipes online. Here is an example of a good veggie snack for the kids.

Beef and Vegetable Triangles

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1 small brown onion, diced
• 1 egg, beaten
• 350g lean beef mince
• 4 sheets frozen puff pastry, partially thawed
• 420g can Heinz Condensed Minestrone Soup
• Salad greens for serving

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large non-stick frying pan, pour oil and boil it over medium heat.
2. Cook the onion in the pan. Wait for 3 – 4 minutes until it becomes soft.
3. Put in the mince and stir it using a wooden spoon. 5 – 6 minutes of stirring is enough or until they become brown.
4. Turn off the heat and let them simmer down.
5. Pour the soup while it simmers. Stir well.
6. Prepare the oven and turn it to 200 degrees Celsius. The 2 large baking trays with baking paper should also be prepared.
7. Cut the baking sheets into 4 squares and place 2 tablespoons of mixture into the center of each.
8. Fold the individual sheets into triangles, covering the filling well.
9. Use a fork to close the edges well.
10. Repeat until you finish putting all of the mixture.
11. On a tray, carefully line the triangles. Use a brush to paint the triangles with the beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds after.
12. Put the tray in the oven and bake them until they puff. Wait for them to be golden brown until serving with salad greens.

The beef and vegetable triangles will surely be a hit during snack time. Disguising the vegetables well can get your child to eat it without complaining. When he/she is already used to the taste of the vegetables mixed in beef, gradually introduce him to pure vegetable dishes. This easy-to-do healthy snack can also be done during picnics, special occasions and road trips.

Linda Rosario is a food enthusiast from Chef Needs “The Kitchen that Every Restaurant Needs”. Linda also loves arts and crafts and works as a pre-school teacher.