I’m sure I’m not the only one who would agree that meal time with a toddler isn’t always easy. These tiny food critics can make cooking and meal planning frustrating at time but I must admit I have have had a few wins of late (hallelujah).
Before you read on I just want to remind you that I am not a master chef, a nutritionist or a very good food photographer lol I am just an everyday mum sharing what works for me and may be some kind of help do you too.
These recipes are not solely for Aria they are ones I have adapted for the family so we can all enjoy and if it means cooking one less meal then yipeeee!! (Agreed?)
Lately I have become a little addicted to cauli rice or cauliflower rice and use it for many things and Miss Aria loves it too…. winning 🙌🏻 So here’s a few ways I use it.
Depending on how much you want or how many your cooking for steam 1- 3 heads of chopped cauliflower. I let mine sit in a strainer for a bit and then blitz to make your cauli rice. Easy.
I set a small bowl aside and pop in the fridge to stir through Arias scrambled eggs (she loves eggs) great sneaky way to add a touch of veg to breaky.
Warm Cauliflower Salad (a favourite for mummy and Aria)
Ingredients
Desired amount of cauliflower rice
Spinach (washed and cut finely)
1/3 cup grated cheese
1 avocado diced
1 sweet potato cubed (roasted) (DROOL)
1/2 cup brown rice/ quinoa / couscous (optional)
Method
Roast sweet and cook your brown rice. While this is happening cut up your remaining ingredients and mix together in a bowl. Add your brown rice stir well and add your sweet potato. Your done!
Honestly such an easy and tasty meal. It’s healthy and you can add anything you like we sometimes add tuna, shredded chicken or just have it on its own. Also if your little one has particular favourite veggies throw them in too. Love this easy one and so does Aria.
Slow cooked shredded chicken
Chicken thighs (I use four)
1 can crushed tomatos
1/4 cup Tamari or coconut aminos
1 tablespoon agave or honey ( a generous tablespoon )
Method
Place thighs in slow cooker add other ingredients and cook on low for 6 hours. The thighs will shred them selves by the time your ready to take them out.
5 minutes preparation and the slow cooker does the rest now that’s what I’m talking about. Tasty shredded chicken to add to rice, pasta or whatever floats your boat.
Cottage pie
Ingredients
500g Turkey mince
1 zucchini
1 large carrot (grated)
1 onion (diced)
Mushrooms (desired amount)
1/2 tub tomato paste
Worcestershire sauce
Salt &a Pepper
Paprika
Garlic (desired amount)
Mixed herbs of choice
4 large potatos or 2 sweet potatoes (cook and mash)
Grated cheese ( desired amount )
Method
Cook your potatoes and set aside to mash. Cook mince and all other ingredients on stove top until mince is cooked through. Add mince mixture to oven proof dish top with mash potato and then sprinkle with cheese. YUM!! Cook in your oven for 25-30
I used to make this with sweet potato mash but for some reason Aria won’t eat it like that…. hahah toddlers
Healthier fried rice 🙂
Cooked brown rice
Mixed veg of choice cut finely
5 eggs scrambled
2 Tablespoons of Tamari
1 Tablespoon Sesame oil
1 Tablespoon coconut oil
1 brown onion cut finely
4 spring onions cut finely
Method
Cook your brown rice and scrambled eggs and set aside.
Cook all veg in a wok add your rice, Tamari and oils. Stir well and then add your eggs. Yep that’s it. Easy 🙌🏻
You can add diced bacon, your shredded chicken or anything you like really. Great as a side dish and as a healthy lunch the next day too.
I think the beauty about cooking is you can adapt and change any recipe to suit your taste aswell as your bubs. Substitute your favoured veggies ect !
TIP – I find the smaller the veggies are the better then miss Aria just eats them up.
Also I don’t add salt and pepper to any of my recipes. I let whoever is eating add there own at the table if they wish.
I know these meals aren’t glamorous but so long as they are being eaten up I’m happy 😊Hope you got a few ideas for your little family’s here too.
I have some yummy desserts and smoothies to share next stay tuned …..
With Love
Xx
