Hitting your head against the kitchen counter trying to feed your kid in the beige food phase? This is for you.
By Mama Disrupt®
The beige food phase is something many parents are familiar with. It usually means that kids are looking for foods that are comforting, mild, and often carbohydrate-rich. Here are some quick, easy, and nutritious recipes for those times:
1. Cheesy Pasta
Cook whole grain pasta until al dente. In a separate pan, melt butter, stir in flour to make a roux, and then slowly add milk, stirring constantly to make a smooth sauce. Add grated cheddar cheese and mix until melted. Combine cheese sauce with drained pasta. Optionally, stir in cooked vegetables like peas or broccoli to add some colour and nutrients.
2. Chicken Tenders
Take chicken strips, dip in beaten eggs, and then in a mixture of breadcrumbs mixed with a little parmesan and garlic powder. Bake in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy and cooked through.
3. Oven-baked Potato Wedges
Cut potatoes into wedges, toss with a bit of oil, salt, and paprika. Bake at 220°C (425°F) for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown.
4. Homemade Pizza Pockets
Take refrigerated biscuit or pizza dough, roll out into a flat circle. Add a spoonful of marinara sauce, some mozzarella cheese, and any other fillings your child might like (chopped cooked veggies, chicken, etc.). Fold over the dough to make a half-circle and press the edges to seal. Bake according to the dough’s package instructions.
5. Mashed Potato Pancakes
Mix leftover mashed potatoes with a beaten egg, some grated cheese, and chopped green onions or herbs (if your child is okay with it). Form into patties and pan-fry until golden on both sides.
6. Quesadillas
On a tortilla, spread shredded cheese (and optionally, some beans or mild chicken). Cover with another tortilla. Pan-fry until golden, flip, and cook the other side. Cut into wedges and serve with mild salsa or yogurt dip.
7. Simple Rice Pilaf
Sauté some finely chopped onions in a pan until translucent. Add rice, stir for a minute, then add chicken or vegetable broth. Cook as per rice instructions. Finish with a dab of butter and optional peas or diced carrots.
8. Beige Smoothie (sneaky nutrition!)
Blend together bananas, peanut or almond butter, Greek yogurt, a drizzle of honey, and a splash of milk or almond milk. Optionally, add some oats for extra thickness. It looks beige but packs a punch in terms of nutrition.
A few extra tips
To enhance the nutritional content of these dishes, consider the following:
- Use whole grains whenever possible (whole grain pasta, brown rice, whole grain bread crumbs).
- Sneak in vegetables wherever you can, even if you have to blend or grate them finely.
- Limit the use of excessive salt and sugar.
Sign up to our newsletter for weekly mama goodness delivered straight to your inbox, like the VIP that you are.
