Cooking dinner for a family with children can be a challenge, especially when the food needs to be quick, easy and child-friendly. Many children can be picky eaters, and favourite dishes are not always the healthiest options. At the same time, it is important to get enough vegetables and maintain a balanced diet. There's a lot to think about when it comes to dinner - but it doesn't have to be that way! The Nannyblog has some simple dinner tips, which can be cooked together as a family or with your babysitting.
What is healthy food for children?
Healthy eating is about having a balanced diet with the right proportions of nutrients. For children, it is particularly important that food contributes to growth and a strong immune system. According to the Swedish National Food Agency, it is recommended to follow a three-part plate model that shows how much vegetables, protein and carbohydrates should be included in a meal. A good tip for eating more nutritiously is to choose wholegrain products, seasonal vegetables and to reduce red meat in favour of beans and lentils.
8 quick dinner tips for kids:
Here are some simple dinner recipes that are perfect for everyday meals. Many of them are quick to prepare and can be easily adapted to make them healthier. Children are welcome to join in the cooking, which can make it more fun and educational. Choose a few simple tasks that children can help with. If there's no task for the children to do, sometimes it's enough for them to stand on a stool next to it and watch to feel included, or for them to help with the table setting. Here are some dinner tips that are easy to prepare and appreciated by families:
1. sausage stroganoff (15 min.)
A classic dish that goes down well with most children. Try varying it with vegetarian sausages or barbecue sausages for a twist. Serve with rice or potatoes and a simple salad to add some greens.
2. Spaghetti with minced meat sauce (15-30 min.)
Spaghetti with minced meat sauce is a favourite in many homes. For a quicker version, leave the sauce to simmer for 15 minutes, or let it simmer longer for more flavour. For a more nutritious option, use vegetarian mince or sneak grated vegetables into the sauce. Serve with wholemeal pasta for extra fibre.
3. Chicken in the oven (40 min.)
Although it takes a little longer, oven-roasted chicken is easy to prepare. Season the chicken, cut up the potatoes and root vegetables, and let everything cook together in the oven. This way, you'll have a complete meal ready in about 40 minutes.
4. Meatballs with side dishes (40 min.)
Meatballs, whether made with beef, chicken or vegetarian options, are often popular with children. Get the kids involved in rolling the meatballs for a more fun cooking session. Serve with potatoes, wholemeal macaroni or semolina and carrot sticks or other vegetables.
5. Oven baked salmon (30 min.)
Salmon is a nutritious option that is easy to cook in the oven. Season the salmon and put it in the oven with vegetables or potatoes. Serve with a fresh salad for a complete dinner.
6. Chicken nuggets with sauce (30 min.)
Homemade chicken nuggets are both tasty and healthier than the pre-purchased varieties. Cut the chicken fillet into pieces, bread them and fry them until golden. Serve with a simple dipping sauce and rice or potatoes.
7 Pasta carbonara (15 min.)
Pasta carbonara is a quick pasta dish that many children like. For a vegetarian version, you can replace the bacon with halloumi or another vegetarian option. It's quick to prepare and perfect when time is short.
8. chilli con carne or chilli sin carne (30 min.)
An easy-to-make stew that can be made with or without meat. Mix in vegetables such as peppers and carrots for extra nutrition. Serve with rice, bulgur or other grains for a filling dinner.
Do you have more dinner tips for children?
Do you have more food tips to share? Or looking for more inspiration on dinner tips for children or easy meals for kids? Email us at info@heykiddo.se or contact your nanny.
