Every parent knows that cooking for kids can be tricky. But attempting to cook healthy, child-friendly meals that are also vegetarian can be an extra challenge! Thankfully, there are many options to go meat-free that the whole family can enjoy.
The most important thing to consider when prepping vegetarian meals for kids is that they need to be balanced, with enough protein and iron for their growth and development. It should also include energy boosting foods to keep them running around, playing and learning. Plant-based protein is an excellent way to get essential vitamins and minerals while still being meat-free.
Birds Eye’s Green Cuisine range includes protein goodness and fibre that little ones need to grow and repair cells. Plus, a unique combination of herbs and spices means they will fast become a family favourite.
Read on to find out how to make easy, vegetarian meals that kids of all ages will love.
Veggie Sausage Recipes
Veggie bangers and mash
This vegetarian take on a great British classic is a favourite of kids and adults alike. Pair Birds Eye Green Cuisine Meat-Free Sausages with a side of mash and some delicious Birds Eye Garden Peas. For older kids, smother with a generous serving of gravy to complete this wonderfully warming dish.
Veggie hot dogs
Bring the fun of a BBQ into the everyday with the perfect veggie hotdogs! Put meat-free sausages on a soft brioche bun – perfect for little hands to hold. To take things up a level, why not top your veggie hotdogs with delicious crispy onions and serve with a side salad to add some colour to your plate.
Veggie Meatball Recipes
Spaghetti and meat-free meatballs
Spaghetti and meatballs is always a winner – quick and easy to make, and oodles of fun to eat. There’s no need to get your spaghetti in a twist over how to make this veggie-friendly – simply use juicy Birds Eye Green Cuisine Meat-Free Swedish Style Meatballs to make an Italian classic that all the kids will love.
Vegetarian meatball pasta bake
Pasta bakes are one of the tastiest, filling meals that you can prepare in a pinch. To jazz up your bake, add yummy vegetables like aubergine, courgette or pepper for a healthy splash of colour and meat-free meatballs for a juicy injection of protein.
Veggie Rice Recipes
Vegetable korma
This mild vegetable-packed curry recipe with cooling coconut is a brilliant way to introduce developing taste buds to the wonders of Indian cuisine. If this dish is still too spicy, have some natural yoghurt on hand to help reduce the heat.
Mushroom and pea risotto recipe
This simple yet delicious risotto recipe uses Birds Eye Garden Peas, mushrooms and red peppers to make a colourful and nutritious meal. Sprinkle in some parmesan for a cheesy flavour that kids will ask for again and again.
Veggie Burgers
Meat free burgers
Being meat-free doesn’t mean kids have to miss out on the fun of building their own burgers. Birds Eye’s Meat-Free Burgers taste as succulent as the real thing, whether you shallow fry, oven cook or enjoy them after cooking them up on the BBQ grill. Serve with plenty of tomato sauce and a side salad for added crunch.
Pea veggie burgers
Making your own plant-based burgers is easier than you think! This delicious recipe uses plenty of Birds Eye Garden Peas coupled with a few simple ingredients to make a burger loved by both kids and adults.
Veggie Pancakes
Pea pancakes
It’s no secret that little ones love Pancake Day, but there’s no need to relegate this tasty treat to just one day of the year! This recipe incorporates Birds Eye Garden Peas to make these striking pancakes that kids will munch with pleasure both at tea time and on-the-go as a quick snack.
If you’re looking for more inspiration for meat-free mealtimes, check out our other vegetarian recipes.