As parents, we all know the struggle of trying to come up with easy weeknight dinners that are both nutritious and kid-friendly. And if you’re also trying to eat a vegan diet, the challenge can sometimes seem even greater. But fear not, because there are plenty of delicious vegan recipes out there that kids can help make, and that will satisfy the whole family.
One of the keys to making weeknight dinners easier is preparation. Taking a little time on the weekends to plan out your meals for the week can save you a lot of time and stress during the week. And when you involve your kids in the planning and cooking process, not only does it make your life easier, but it also teaches them important skills and helps them develop a love for cooking and healthy eating.
One of the easiest and most versatile vegan dishes that kids can help make is pasta. Pasta is a crowd-pleaser and you can easily adapt it to suit your family’s tastes. One simple and delicious vegan pasta dish that kids can help make is pasta with homemade tomato sauce and veggies. You can start by cooking some pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, your kids can help chop up some veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. In a separate pan, sauté the veggies in some olive oil until they are soft. Then, add in some crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning to make a simple tomato sauce. Once the pasta is cooked, just toss it with the tomato sauce and veggies, and you’ve got a delicious and nutritious dinner that the whole family will love.
Another easy weeknight dinner that kids can help make is vegan tacos. Tacos are fun to eat and easy to customize to suit everyone’s tastes. You can start by cooking some black beans or lentils with taco seasoning to make a delicious and protein-packed filling. While the beans are cooking, your kids can help chop up some veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocados. Set out a variety of toppings like salsa, guacamole, and vegan sour cream, and let everyone build their own tacos. Not only is this a fun and interactive meal, but it’s also a great way to get your kids excited about eating their veggies.
If you’re looking for a one-pot meal that’s easy to make and clean up, why not try a vegan stir-fry? Stir-fries are quick to make and you can easily throw in whatever veggies you have on hand. Start by cooking some rice or noodles according to the package instructions. While the rice or noodles are cooking, your kids can help chop up some veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots. In a large pan or wok, sauté the veggies in some soy sauce and garlic until they are tender. Add in some tofu or tempeh for protein, and you’ve got a delicious and healthy stir-fry that the whole family will enjoy.
For nights when you’re really short on time, a vegan soup or stew is a great option. You can make a big batch on the weekend and have leftovers throughout the week. One easy and kid-friendly vegan soup is a lentil soup. Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber, and they cook up quickly. Start by sautéing some onions, carrots, and celery in a large pot. Add in some lentils, vegetable broth, and your favorite seasonings. Let the soup simmer until the lentils are tender, and you’ve got a hearty and comforting meal that your whole family will love.
When it comes to getting kids involved in the kitchen, the key is to keep things simple and fun. Let them help with age-appropriate tasks like stirring, chopping (with supervision), and assembling ingredients. Not only does this help them develop important cooking skills, but it also teaches them about the importance of healthy eating and where their food comes from.
So next time you’re looking for easy weeknight dinners that are vegan and kid-friendly, consider getting your little ones involved in the cooking process. Not only will it make your life easier, but it will also create lasting memories and teach your kids valuable skills that they can carry with them for a lifetime. Happy cooking!