Move over, meat – we’ve got some super suggestions for plant-based meals for kids and the rest of the family that you'll love.
There’s a growing awareness around plant-based diets and reducing our meat intake. Serious stats, alarming articles and disturbing docos such as The Gamechangers or Forks Over Knives have made us seriously ponder the impact – both on our bodies and the planet – of eating meat. From smarter snacking to healthier dinners, we’ve definitely recognised the benefits of rethinking what we’re putting on our plates – and, as a result, are fully embracing the Meat-Free Monday movement that’s swept the planet. Whether it’s once a week, a full-on conversion to veganism or something in between, the bottom line is that every little bit helps. And we’re showing you how plant-based meals for kids are both possible – and yummy!
Why go meat-free on Mondays?
Now 10 years in, the Meat-Free Monday scheme was pioneered by former Beatles singer Paul McCartney and his daughters Stella and Mary, with the idea that “One day a week can make a world of difference.” The not-for-profit campaign aims to raise awareness of the negative environmental impact of animal agriculture and industrial fishing, and encourages people to help slow climate change, conserve natural resources and improve their health by having at least one plant-based day each week.
Some scary stats to consider:
- A World Health Organisation report in November 2015 ranked processed meat as a group 1 carcinogen.
- A 2019 study of more than 12,000 people found those who ate mostly plant-based foods were 32 per cent less likely to die from heart disease.
- Experts believe that if every family in the UK went meat-free just once a week, it would have the same environmental impact as taking 16 million cars off the road.
How to do it at home
First off, don’t panic. It’s actually surprisingly easy to go meatless for at least one meal a week at home. Our tip? Plan ahead and make sure you’ve got the right ingredients on hand at home – that way you won’t fly into a fluster come dinner time and just resort to cheesy pasta (again). These plant-based meal ideas for kids will make you feel like a total supermum when everyone demands second helpings!
Plant-based meals for kids
Sometimes, a lot of our meals work just as well by simply not including meat. But if you’re in need of some inspo, check out some of current faves from some great sites.
Vietnamese rice paper rolls
Paired with a mean dipping sauce, Vietnamese fresh spring rolls are a one-way ticket to Yumsville! Better yet, you can get the kids to help you roll ‘em too. Pack them full of your favourite ingredients: we love crunchy beansprouts, fresh mint, sweet carrot, red cabbage and vermicelli noodles.
Veggie chilli
This one is great for packing in oodles of veg… and it’s all mostly hidden! You can also tweak your spices to suit your tastes. We like to use a food processor to whizz up different varieties of mushroom, carrot, zucchini, onion and capsicum, then fry off until it starts to go gnarly. Then add in your beans, a couple of tins of peeled plum tomatoes, and your spices (ground cumin, chilli flakes and paprika are a good start). You can add what you like really, but for those who like to follow a recipe, this one from Simply Recipes (pictured above) could inspire you. Serve with brown rice, cous cous or quinoa for extra bulking.
Butternut squash linguine
This vegan pasta dish looks so decadent but it’s actually surprisingly simple, and we reckon the little people in your life will gobble it up, too. The puréed butternut squash tastes creamy without a dollop of dairy in sight. Full marks to Cookie and Kate for such a sterling recipe!
Vegan lentil shepherd’s pie
This one’s a great one during rainy season when you just want something super warm and comforting. In this recipe from Cupful of Kale, it’s out with the lamb and in with the lentils, while the sweet potato mash topping is gorgeousness in every bite. Nom.
Sweet potato black bean burgers
Kids love burgers, right? There’s just something about eating with their hands that they can’t get enough of! Grab your food processor and quickly rustle up these moreish black bean burgers from Making Thyme For Health. You can top them with anything you like, but we like some red onion and fresh avocado. Serve with sweet potato fries sprinkled with a little cayenne pepper for extra nom factor.
Baked Vegetable Tater Tots
We seriously dig how quick and easy these morsels are to rustle up. Not only that, but they make great party food for both kids and adults. They’re loaded with zucchini, cauliflower, carrots, onions, and garlic… and you won’t be able to stop at just one! Check out the recipe from Sweet Simple Vegan.
One-Pot Peanut Sauce Noodles
We haven’t got round to trying this one yet, so can’t vouch for its yumminess, but it’s certainly next on our list! We like the sound of its simplicity, and we know our kids will love slurping on those nutty noodles. Thanks to Vegan Richa for this one!
Cauliflower-base mini pizzas
Pizza + kids = happiness! Healthy Little Foodies have a great little recipe – it’s not vegan as it uses cheese, but it’s still a good no-meat meal to try with the young ‘uns. Get them to help you add assorted toppings too to get them helping out in the kitchen. You could also make a pizza on a larger scale if you prefer to super-size.
Enjoy, folks!
