Easy and quick meals for toddlers

Veggie Mac ‘n’ Cheese

Our range of meals are simple and beautifully made for children. One recipe in particular – our Veggie Mac ‘n’ Cheese has been designed specifically for the fussiest of monkeys. The sauce is silky smooth and there is not a veggie to be seen (but they are there !) We are very happy to share our recipe with Radio NZ listeners.

This quantity makes 5 Tot’s Pantry meals, so you can pop some in the freezer for another night.

Ingredients

5ml Grapeseed Oil

30g onion

1 clove garlic

150g cauliflower florets

65g carrot

25g parsnip

100ml milk

50g cheese (we use Colby)

225ml veg stock

35g drained and rinsed cannellini beans

150g macaroni pasta

 

Method

1.     Heat the oil in a pan and add chopped onion and garlic. Saute for a few mins until soft but not brown.

2.     Add the cauliflower, carrot, parsnip, veg stock and milk. Cook until veggies are almost soft.

3.     Cook the macaroni as per packet instructions, drain and set aside.

4.     Add the beans to the sauce and cook for a further 5 mins.

5.     Use a stick blender to make the sauce super smooth.

6.     Add grated cheese and stir through until it has all melted.

7.     Stir the sauce through the pasta and serve.

 

10 minute omelette with veggies

This is a quick and nutritious meal that takes less than 10 minutes to throw together. You can add sweetcorn, diced capsicum, green beans and/or grated carrot to the mix too.

Ingredients (for 2 serves):

3 eggs

100g cheese (we use Colby for its mild taste)

1-2 spring onions, finely diced

pinch of paprika

1/2 tablespoon of olive oil

25g raisins (optional)

Method:

1. Preheat the grill to 200 degrees C

2. Beat the eggs in a large bowl. Add grated cheese, veg and raisins (if using). Stir through the paprika.

3. Heat oil in a medium/small frying pan and gently fry the spring onions for a couple of minutes until softened. 

4. Pour in egg mixture and cook gently until the base has set.

5. Place under the grill and cook for a few more minutes until the top is golden and set. 

6. Slice into wedges and serve with salad veggies or broccoli and peas.