Kids' Special # 1 - Mixed Veggies Vermicelli with meat kebabs or mince in chicken broth

This was the surprise I had for you mommies and Stay at Home Dads or Home cook dads. I have been asked time and again by friends, fellow bloggers and even an organisation at one point if I can have a special blog or page dedicated to kids' meals. I was even asked to write nutritious recipe creations catering to kids for the organisation that contacted me.

Considering my already busy schedule, I finally decided that it is best for me to dedicate a recipe creation each week or every other week to satiate those precious little ones' tummies. I have been having a page of kid-friendly recipes already going on my blog but the other day when I heard my little one grumble about her food getting not too exciting, I decided to finally give in and make time to do these sets of dishes especially for her. It really does not take out much time from your already busy schedule of preparing adult dishes. Just a tad bit of tweaking here and there will get you going well on your way. Portions would depend on your little one's appetite and which meal of the day to which you are catering.

It is a huge hurdle to get toddlers to eat, so I was thinking of dedicating my 'T'hursdays to the 'T'errific 'T'oddlers or kids in general out there.Based on your feedback and how useful you think my recipe creations are I can add to various age groups.

Right now these recipes have been tried and tested with ages 3-6 years. Albeit a small age bracket, it is quite a challenging age criteria for food needs. Age 4 yrs and above usually demand a lot of variety and can complain if you give them the same food type. So it is important to get the variety out there but more important to get the nutrition in there. Touch wood my little one has had no issues with greens and other healthy, nutritious elements of her meal.

This recipe is very simple indeed and can take portions from your adult meal for which you have planned  minus certain elements like spice, etc. I have mentioned meat kebabs or mince. Ideally freshly cooked mince is preferred however if you have made kebabs at a previous meal and have reserve, then you can shred the same and use. Remember the idea is also to make it easier on you mommies and daddies there to cook your precious one his/her special meal. You can also substitute chicken or for vegetarian meals you can add proteins such as mushrooms or diced boiled eggs or even a fried egg on top. You can use Veg stock or Veg broth instead of Chicken broth

You need:

• 2 cups of mince meat
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 1 cup of diced vegetables (I used carrots, peas and beans)
• 4 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 3 cups of roasted vermicelli
• 4 cups of freshly made chicken stock (I usually have a reserve in the fridge) or you can use stock cubes
• Salt to taste
• Oil

The Make:
Serves 2 toddlers | Cooking Time : 30-35 minutes | Preparation Time: 10 minutes

1. Cover and cook the mince meat in 1 cup of chicken stock with half of the diced onions and 2 cloves of garlic.
2. Meanwhile in a wok, add a drizzle of oil and saute the remaining onions and garlic until translucent.
3. Toss in the veggies and cover and cook for about 5-10 minutes
3. Add in the remaining stock and vermicelli and cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Next add in the cooked mince with its juices and allow to boil on medium-high heat for a few minutes.
5. Lower the heat and cook until the stock reduces.

Serve hot with a side of your little one's favourite salad.