Kid Friendly Healthy Vegetarian Recipes

What Makes a Vegetarian Recipe?

When most think of a person being a vegetarian, they think of someone who has opted not to eat any kind of meat or meat product. The reasons for this dietary choice may be social, personal, or religious. While some may argue that people, especially children, will not receive proper nutrition needed for growing bodies if they refrain from the consumption of meat, quite the opposite is true. Vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, and nuts are perfect foods for children. Eating enough of them in the course of a day will give kids the fuel their bodies need. Grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes are also filled with complex carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Tasty Kid Friendly Healthy Vegetarian Recipes

Even if you and your children are not vegetarians, these healthy recipes will provide for nutritious meals and will help to spice up your dinner time together. Your older children may even look forward to helping you make these dishes in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Bowtie Pasta with Tomatoes

• 10 ounces farfalle (bowtie pasta) or penne
• 1 cup of chickpeas
• 1 cup of pinto beans
• 2 cups of frozen or fresh corn kernels
• 2 cups of diced ripe tomatoes
• 1/4 cup of sliced scallions
• 1/4 cup of sliced black olives
• 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon of garlic salt
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup white balsamic or white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Instructions

1. On the stovetop, cook the pasta in boiling, salted water until al dente.
2. Drain the water and rinse the pasta under cold water.
3. In a saucepan, combine the remaining ingredients.
4. Cook on low heat until they are hot.
5. Stir the drained pasta into the pan.
6. Serve immediately.

Recipe for Potato Soup

The key to serving tofu to young children is to mix it or cook it with familiar foods. When the tofu takes on the taste of the other ingredients in the recipe, children are less likely to turn up their noses. While tofu may be a product that adults feel is an acquired taste, keep in mind that toddlers in countries like Japan and China enjoy eating this calcium-rich bean curd almost every day.

Ingredients

• 6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 cup of chopped celery
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 quarts of water
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 vegetable bouillon cubes
• 1 teaspoon of curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of celery salt
• 16 ounces of firm tofu, cubed
• 2 cups of rice milk or soymilk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Freshly grated parsley

Instructions

1. In a large pot or saucepan, cook the potatoes in water until tender, but not mushy.
2. Drain.
3. In a little olive oil, sauté the onions, garlic, and celery.
4. Place the sautéed ingredients in a large pot.
5. Add boiled potatoes and water.
6. Over low heat, add the rest of the ingredients except for the parsley.
7. Stir frequently.
8. Cover and let simmer for thirty minutes.
9. Serve in bowls and sprinkle with parsley.
10. Enjoy this soup with some crusty homemade wheat bread.

Other Vegetarian Recipes For Kids

As you search through cookbooks and online, you will see that there are many dishes available which are kid friendly healthy vegetarian recipes. Try some of the following and expand your culinary horizons as you bring new recipes to the table for everyone to enjoy:

• Ratatouille
• Carrot soup
• Broccoli casserole
• Fruit salad