[ad_1]
Learn how to easily cook quinoa for kids with simple tips and tricks and quick recipes to share. Each of these recipe can be shared with babies and toddlers…and us parents!
Quinoa for Kids
I love to vary the grains that I serve to my family and to experiment with using options like quinoa in a range of recipes. Quinoa is an easy way to add nutrients into rotation, can provide vegetarian protein, and can be used similarly to rice and other grains in recipes and meals.
Quinoa does have a more noticeable flavor than most rice recipes, so you may want to see how your kids prefer it. They may like it better when it’s flavored as it can taste a little grassy.
Nutrition in Quinoa
Quinoa is a perfect vegetarian food to share with the kids since it’s packed with nutrition—including complete protein (which is rare in a vegetarian food) and fiber.
It’s also versatile and can be flavored with so many spices or other fresh ingredients, which means you can change how you use it throughout the year or according to what you’re wanting to make.
Can quinoa be eaten by kids?
Quinoa is considered to be a grain and can be enjoyed by kids similarly to how you’d serve rice. When cooked soft, it’s very easy to eat and chew, even for babies. I love serving quinoa as baby cereal, as pudding, and the way you’d use rice in recipes such as patties and stir fries.
Why is quinoa good for kids?
Quinoa is rich in nutrients, including protein and fiber, and is a quick-cooking food that can be flavored with all sorts of other ingredients, sauces, and spices. It’s also gluten-free, which can be helpful for many families.
Can my baby eat quinoa?
Quinoa is a great baby food since it’s nutrient-dense and easy to flavor. You can make pureed smooth quinoa baby food or a thicker, more textured quinoa baby cereal.
How can I make quinoa taste good?
The easiest way to make quinoa taste good is to first rinse it in a fine-mesh sieve, which can help to remove any lingering saponins (which taste bitter). And then add flavor. From butter and a little salt to pizza sauce, pesto, lemon, and so many other options, you can really tailor the flavor of quinoa for what your kids like.
You can even use it to make homemade tots!
Favorite Quinoa Recipes for Kids
Below are some of my favorite easy recipes for quinoa to share with the kids. Each can also be enjoyed by us parents (which can help cut down on food waste).
Quinoa Baby Food
This easy cereal has a similar consistency to cream of wheat and is a great option for breakfast.
Transform nutrient-rich quinoa into a delicious baby food—with options for older kids and parents to share it—using this simple method. (Find flavor variations and storage tips too.)
Shortcut Quinoa Fried Rice
With a short cooking time and the ability to prep it ahead, this easy skillet meal is a delicious vegetarian meal to share with the whole family.
Transform cooked quinoa into a really delicious skillet dinner with this shortcut Quinoa Fried Rice. You can add eggs or omit them, and add more (or less) flavor to your own bowl. See the optional toppings to customize this for each person at your table!
How to Cook Quinoa on the Stove
Learn the most basic (and easy) way to cook quinoa, and then find simple ways to add flavor. With storage tips too.
Learn the basics of cooking quinoa, with easy (and flavorful) ways to serve it to babies, toddlers, big kids…and us parents! There is a base recipe here, plus 6 simple ways to flavor it.
Cauliflower Tots
Transform cooked quinoa into tender homemade tots with this easy recipe.
With quinoa, cauliflower, and cheese, these healthy little tots are a great finger food for kids. This recipe makes about 20 tots, which is 4-6 servings for toddlers—or 1-2 servings for adults.
Quinoa Pudding
Learn how to cook quinoa into an easy pudding that can be enjoyed for breakfast or dessert for all ages.
You can serve this warm like oatmeal or cold like rice pudding.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
I love this salad in the summer as it’s fresh, easy, and lasts in the fridge. It’s a perfect lunch or potluck meal to share.
Mix up this grain salad to have lunches prepped for the week for yourself, or to have a dinner side or vegetarian main dish to share with the family.
Butternut Squash Quinoa
Blend up a simple mix of squash and quinoa in this recipe that’s a great Stage 3 Baby Food…or easy family side dish.
Try this as a transition food for an older baby or a healthy side dish for a family meal.
You May Also Like
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please comment below to share!
[ad_2]
Source link