20 Easy Dinner Ideas for Kids That Make Mealtime Simple

Dinner is an important meal for the entire family, especially for growing children. It is imperative that dinner be light and easy on the stomach so that it can be easily digested, promoting better sleep and overall health. However, planning out dinners which are healthy and easy to make as well as tasty enough for your kids is no mean feat, often leaving parents in need of fresh dinner ideas for kids. Here are some dinner recipe ideas that will make the food disappear from your little one’s plate in no time, turning mealtime into a stress-free and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Kid-Friendly Vegetarian Dinner Ideas

Here is a list of vegetarian recipes which are kid-friendly since they are less spicy and oily.

1. Mexican Rice

This recipe is quick and easy to cook, and the ingredients can be bought at any grocery store.

What You Will Need

• 1 cup long grain rice (basmati)
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 – 3 medium-sized tomatoes – finely diced
• I cup corn kernels (you can use the canned ones too)
• ½ cup green bell peppers (diced)
• ½ cup red bell peppers (diced)
• ½ cup yellow bell peppers (diced)
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tbsp jalapeno peppers (chopped, but optional)
• 2 cups of water
• 1/4th cup cilantro
• 2 tbsp lime/lemon juice

How to Prepare

1. Wash the rice, drain the water and make the grains of rice dry.
2. Heat oil over medium heat.
3. Then fry the washed and dried rice for about 5 – 6 minutes.
4. Then add the corn, the bell peppers and jalapeno peppers (optional) and sauté over medium heat for about 2 minutes.
5. Then add the cumin powder, salt, and the diced tomatoes and continuously stir it.
6. Keep stirring till the water from the tomatoes does not dry out.
7. Then add 2 cups of water, give it a stir and lower the heat.
8. Put a lid on and let it cook for a good 10 minutes or till all the water has dried.
9. Take the lid off and let it sit without stirring for 2-3 minutes.
10. Then add the cilantro, lime/lemon juice and mix it all gently.
11. Your Mexican rice is ready to be served.

Time Required for Preparation: 5 to 10 minutes

Cooking time: 18 – 19 minutes

Servings: 4 people

2. Vegetable Khichdi

Nothing can be easier, quicker and nutritious than this one-pot dish idea for children’s dinners. It is also easy on the stomach.

What You Will Need

• 1 cup rice (small-grain aromatic rice like Basmati rice or Jasmine rice) 
• 2 cups carrots, spinach, beans, green peas, etc (you can add any type of vegetable which your child likes)
• 1 cup red lentil
• Salt to taste
• Optional for serving: A spoon of ghee (clarified butter) or regular butter

How to Prepare

1. Wash the rice and the red lentils and let them soak in water for about 20-30 minutes.
2. In a pressure cooker (or an Instant Pot), combine the drained rice and lentils, along with all your chopped vegetables.
3. Add water. The easy rule is to add enough so the water level is about 1.5 inches above the rice, lentil, and vegetable mixture. (A “three-finger” measure can vary, so 1.5 inches is a standard equivalent).
4. Add salt to taste.
5. Pressure cook until you hear 3-4 whistles (for a stovetop pressure cooker). If using an Instant Pot, secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
6. Let the pressure release naturally (this is called Natural Release) for about 10-15 minutes before carefully opening the lid.
7. Stir the khichdi. It should be soft and porridge-like. If it’s too thick, you can stir in a little hot water.
8. Serve hot with an optional spoonful of ghee or butter on top.

Time Required for Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 5 – 8 minutes

Servings: 4 people

3. Vegetable & Paneer Stuffed Flatbread

If you want your child to eat something solid and healthy, this is the one to go for.

What You Will Need

• 2 cups wheat flour (it can be a multi-grain flour too)
• Water (as much as is required to make a soft dough)
• Grated carrot, grated cottage cheese, French beans diced in small pieces, spinach
• Half a tsp of ginger paste
• Salt to taste

How to Prepare

1. Make a soft dough out of the flour.
2. In a bowl, mix all the cut vegetables, paneer, salt, and ginger paste together.
3. Divide the dough into eight small portions.
4. Take one portion and make a ball.
5. Then make a hole in the ball and put a scoop of the mixture in it. Seal it.
6. Take a little flour, roll the stuffed ball and make a flattened round shape.
7. Heat a pan and cook the flatbread.
8. When half-cooked, take the pan off the stove.
9. Roast the half-cooked flatbread by placing it directly on the flame.
10. Flip the flatbread to the other side and make sure not to burn it.
11. Serve it hot by putting a little ghee on one side of the flatbread with either some lentil gravy or curd.

Time Required for Preparation: 10 – 12 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes (for 8 flatbreads)

Servings: 3 – 4 people

4. Broken Wheat & Lentil Porridge

It is a wholesome dish made out of broken wheat and vegetables.

What You Will Need

• 1 cup broken wheat (soaked in water)
• 1 cup moong beans or yellow lentils (soaked in water)
• 1 tsp ginger paste
• Potato, French beans, pea, carrot, onion (all cut & diced into small pieces)
• 1 tsp turmeric powder 
• Salt (to taste)
• 1 tsp whole cumin seeds
• 1 tsp vegetable oil
• 1-2 bay leaves

How to Prepare

1. In a pressure cooker, heat the oil.
2. Add the bay leaves, cumin seeds (whole).
3. Then add the diced onions (one medium-sized onion).
4. Once the onions turn golden brown, add the vegetables.
5. Sauté for a minute or two and add the ginger paste.
6. Then again, stir for a minute and add the soaked broken wheat and the lentil (without the water).
7. Then add the turmeric powder and salt.
8. After mixing it all together, add water (the level of water should be three fingers above the mixture).
9. Let it pressure cook for a good three whistles.
10. Once it is done, let it sit for some time.
11. After about 5 minutes, open the lid and serve it hot with some ghee or butter (optional).

Time Required for Preparation: 10 minutes

Time Required for Cooking: 10 – 12 minutes

Servings: 4 people

5. Vegetable Wraps

Although it sounds like a snack, vegetable wraps can be given to children for dinner. It is wholesome, healthy and looks so appetizing that any child will get attracted to it.

What You Will Need

• 8 wheat flour or multi-grain flour flatbreads
• 2 lettuce leaves
• 2 medium-sized carrots (grated)
• 1 big-sized tomato (diced)
• 1 onion (sliced)
• Hung curd or mayonnaise
• ½ tsp garlic paste
• Lemon juice
• Pepper powder (optional)
• Mint paste
• Salt as per taste – (optional if the mayonnaise has salt)

How to Prepare

1. Prepare the spread by mixing the hung curd or mayonnaise with mint paste, pepper (optional), lemon juice and salt (optional).
2. Spread the mixture over the flatbread.
3. Then place the lettuce leaf over it.
4. Place the vegetables on one side of the flatbread.
5. Roll it up, and it is good to be served.
6. It can also be made using a cooked vegetable curry instead of the uncooked vegetables.

Time Taken for Preparation: About 10 minutes.

Time Required for Cooking: About 10 minutes required for 8 flatbreads.

Servings: 3 – 4 people

6. Creamy Tomato Mac & Cheese

A classic favorite with a veggie-packed twist that blends right into the creamy sauce, ensuring even picky eaters get a nutritious meal.

Image Source : AI Generated Image

What You Will Need

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup milk (any kind)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Prepare

1. Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the grated carrot and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Pour in the tomato sauce and milk. Stir until combined and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Add the oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked macaroni until everything is well coated and heated through. Serve immediately.

Time Taken for Preparation: 10 minutes

Time Required for Cooking: 20 minutes

Servings: 4 people

7. Simple Black Bean Quesadillas

These are incredibly fast to make, packed with protein and fiber, and perfect for little hands to hold. Kids can choose their own dipping sauces.

Image Source : AI Generated Image

What You Will Need

• 4 large (10-inch) flour tortillas
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese
• ½ tsp cumin
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter for brushing
• For serving: salsa, sour cream, or guacamole

How to Prepare

1. In a medium bowl, lightly mash the black beans with a fork. Stir in the corn, cumin, and garlic powder.
2. Lay one tortilla flat. Sprinkle half of it with a layer of cheese, then spread a quarter of the bean mixture over the cheese. Top with a little more cheese and fold the other half of the tortilla over to create a half-moon.
3. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
4. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly brush with oil or butter.
5. Cook each quesadilla for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Remove from the skillet, let cool for a minute, then slice into wedges. Serve with your favorite dips.

Time Taken for Preparation: 10 minutes

Time Required for Cooking: 10 minutes

Servings: 4 people (1 quesadilla per person)

Child-friendly Non-Vegetarian Dinner Ideas

Non-vegetarian dishes are something that most children enjoy. Listed below are 5 dishes that all children will relish and eat.

1. Chicken Thukpa

It is a somewhat bland, yet spicy, chicken and noodle soup, which is just right for a light dinner.

What You Will Need

• 1 cup cooked noodles 
• Small chicken pieces (boiled)
• 1 cup carrot, peas, French beans (half-cooked) 
• 1/4th cup spring onions (chopped)
• Onions (diced)
• 1 tbsp white oil
• 3 cups chicken stock (you can get it by boiling the chicken pieces)
• Salt to taste

How to Prepare

1. In a pan, put some white oil and fry the onions.
2. Then, put the half-boiled vegetables and stir them for a minute.
3. Then add the chicken stock.
4. Once it starts to boil, add the chicken pieces and the noodles.
5. Switch off the stove and add spring onions.

Time Taken for Preparation: 15 minutes

Time Required for Cooking: 5 Minutes

Servings: 2 – 3 people

2. Chicken Dumplings

Unlike the popular belief, the dumpling is not a fast food. It is actually a very healthy food since it requires no spice or oil to cook.

What You Will Need

• A tight dough made of wheat flour
• 200 gms minced chicken 
• 2 large onions (diced into small pieces)
• Ginger paste
• Salt to taste

How to Prepare

1. Divide the dough into very small round balls (approx 20 – 25 balls).
2. In a bowl, mix the minced chicken, onion, ginger paste and salt together.
3. Roll out each ball to the size of a small puri.
4. Put a spoonful of the mixture in each and bring both sides together. Make pleats on one side and seal the other with it (it will look like a half moon).
5. Another easy way of giving shape to a dumpling is by bringing the edges in the centre and sealing it in the middle (it will look round in shape).
6. Grease the steamer with white oil and place the dumplings in it.
7. Put a lid on and steam it.

Time Taken for Preparation: 20 minutes

Time Required for Cooking: 5 – 7 minutes

Servings: 4 – 5 people

3. Chicken Biryani

This is an easy, quick version of the Chicken Biryani and is less spicy, which makes it a kid-friendly recipe.

What You Will Need

• Basmati rice – 1 cup
• Chicken – 400 gms
• Onion (1 large size) – diced
• Tomato (1 large size) – diced
• Ginger & garlic paste – 2 tbsp
• Kashmiri chili powder – ½ tbsp
• Coriander powder – 1 Tsp
• Yogurt – 3 – 4 tbsp
• Lemon juice – 2 Tsp
• Water – 2 cups
• Salt – as per taste
• Ghee – 2 tbsp
• Vegetable oil – 1 tbsp
• Bay leaves – 1
• Cinnamon – 1 small stick
• Cloves – 2 nos.
• Cardamom – 2 nos.

How to Prepare

1. Wash the rice and the chicken pieces.
2. In a pressure cooker, put the ghee and the oil.
3. Then add the bay leaf, cardamom, cinnamon, and
4. Fry them for a minute and add the diced onions.
5. Once the onions turn golden brown, add the ginger-garlic paste.
6. After some time, add the diced tomato.
7. Fry them till they turn mushy.
8. Add the coriander powder, Kashmiri chili powder, and
9. Then add the chicken pieces (approximately 3 – 4 big pieces)
10. Stir well and coat the chicken pieces with the masala.
11. Add curd and stir it well.
12. Add a cup of water. Once it starts boiling, pressure cook for 2 whistles.
13. Switch off the stove and wait for the pressure to release.
14. Once done, open the lid and add the soaked rice and stir it well.
15. Add ¾ cup of water and bring it to a boil.
16. Put the lid and pressure cook on a medium flame for 3 whistles.
17. Switch off the stove and let it sit till all the pressure is released.
18. Stir the rice carefully and add the juice of a lemon.

Time Taken for Preparation: 10 minutes

Time Required for Cooking: 20 – 25 minutes

Servings: 3 – 4 people

4. Lemon Chicken Pasta

This is a tangy pasta dish which is light on the stomach and filling as well.

What You Will Need

• 150 grams of pasta
• 200 grams of shredded chicken
• 1 tsp of lemon juice
• 2 tbsp of canola oil
• 1 clove garlic (crushed)
• Salt to taste
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Ground black pepper (optional)

How to Prepare

1. Boil water and cook pasta in it.
2. Drain out the water and put it under running water.
3. In a pan, put canola oil.
4. Add the crushed garlic.
5. Then add the pasta and the shredded chicken (cooked).
6. Add salt, lemon juice and the black pepper (optional).
7. Before serving, add the grated Parmesan cheese to it.

Time Taken for Preparation: 10 minutes

Time Required for Cooking: 20 minutes

Servings: 5 people

5. Chicken Curry

It is a simple chicken curry which even toddlers can have with chapatti, rice or dosa.

What You Will Need

• 250 grams boneless chicken
• 1 medium-sized onion
• 1 medium-sized tomato 
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste 
• 1 tsp turmeric powder 
• 1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• A small cinnamon stick 
• 2 cardamoms
• Cashew nut
• 1 cup water
• Salt – As per taste
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil 
• Bay leaves
• Cilantro

How to Prepare

1. Wash the chicken pieces.
2. Slice the onion, make a puree of the tomato and chop coriander leaves (Optional).
3. Soak the cashew in warm water and make a paste of it.
4. In a pressure cooker, add oil.
5. After the oil heats up, add bay leaf, crushed cardamom, and cinnamon.
6. Then add the sliced onion.
7. Once the onion turns golden brown, add the chicken, turmeric, coriander powder, Kashmiri chilli powder and garlic-ginger paste, and tomato puree. Cook for some time.
8. Add the chicken and mix well with the masala.
9. Add the cashew paste and again mix well.
10. Then add 1 cup of water and once it starts to boil, put the lid.
11. Cook till two whistles.
12. Let it sit and release the pressure.
13. Then open the lid. You can add some cilantro (optional).

Time Taken for Preparation: 10 Minutes

Time Required for Cooking: 10 minutes

Servings: 3 – 4 people

6. Simple Chicken & Veggie Skewers

These fun, finger-food skewers are a hit with kids. They are packed with protein and easy to customize with your child’s favorite veggies.

Image Source : AI Generated Image

What You Will Need

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• ½ cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes first)

How to Prepare

1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
4. Thread the marinated chicken, bell pepper, zucchini, and pineapple onto the skewers alternately.
5. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
6. Serve with rice or a simple side salad.

Time Taken for Preparation: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)

Time Required for Cooking: 12 minutes

Servings: 4 people

7. Hidden Veggie Turkey Meatballs

These tender meatballs are secretly loaded with finely grated vegetables, making them a nutritious and delicious option served with pasta or on a sub roll.

Image Source : AI Generated Image

What You Will Need

• 1 lb ground turkey
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 small zucchini, finely grated and moisture squeezed out
• 1 small carrot, finely grated
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 cups of your favorite marinara sauce

How to Prepare

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to soften.
3. In a large bowl, mix the soaked breadcrumbs, ground turkey, zucchini, carrot, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. While meatballs bake, heat the marinara sauce in a large pot. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Serve over pasta or as a meatball sub.

Time Taken for Preparation: 15 minutes

Time Required for Cooking: 20 minutes

Servings: 4 people

Quick Dinner Recipes for Kids

Most children are fussy eaters. Therefore, making dinner for kids is always a thing of worry for mothers. To put an end to your woes, here is a list of fun dinner ideas for kids.

1. Creamy Vegetable Soup

Children usually enjoy a bowl of soup at any time of the day. It makes for one of the quick and easy dinners for kids.

What Will You Need

• 1 spring onion
• 5-6 spinach leaves
• 1 medium-sized carrot
• 1 cup milk 
• 2 cups water
• 1 tbsp corn flour
• 1/4 cup grated processed cheese 
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (optional)
• Salt – to taste

How to Prepare:

1. Chop the spring onions, spinach and grate the carrot.
2. Mix milk, water, and corn flour well.
3. Add the vegetables to the mix and cook on medium flame for 5 minutes.
4. Stir continuously.
5. Lastly, add the cheese, salt, and pepper (optional) and stir well.
6. You can serve hot with buttered toast or soup sticks.

Time Taken for Preparation: 10 minutes

Time Required for Cooking: 5 – 6 minutes

Servings: 2 – 3 people

2. Simple Spiced Potato Curry

This super quick potato curry with very little spice and tangy flavor is to die for. It is a great accompaniment with flatbread or even rice.

What Will You Need

• 4 medium-sized potatoes
• 1 medium-sized tomato
• 1 tsp roasted cumin powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 tsp black mustard seeds
• 1/4 tsp asafoetida
• Kashmiri Chilli powder
• 2 cups water
• Cilantro (optional)
• Salt to taste

How to Prepare

1. Boil the potatoes till they are well-cooked.
2. Peel the skin and cut the potatoes into small pieces.
3. Dice the tomato and chop the cilantro.
4. In a pan, put the oil.
5. Add asafoetida.
6. Then add the black mustard seeds.
7. Then add the tomatoes, Kashmiri chili powder, turmeric powder and the salt.
8. Once the tomatoes become mushy, add the boiled potatoes. Break up a few of the potato pieces so that they mix with the water and form a nice thick gravy.
9. Then add the water and put a lid.
10. Cook it on a medium flame.
11. Once the water dries up a bit, switch off the stove.
12. Add the roasted cumin powder and mix it well.
13. Then add the chopped cilantro (optional).

Time Taken for Preparation: 10 minutes

Time Required for Cooking: 5 Minutes

Servings: 3 – 4 people

3. Dal Tadka

It is a dish which almost every Indian household prepares once in a while. It can be eaten with flatbread or rice.

What You Will Need

• 2 cups sprouted mung beans
• 1 medium-sized onion
• 1 medium-sized tomato
• A small piece of ginger
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 1 tsp cumin powder 
• 1/2 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp Kashmiri chili powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp ghee
• 2 cups water
• Salt – to taste

How to Prepare

1. Soak the smung beans for 5 -6 hours.
2. Then wrap it in a cotton/muslin cloth overnight. Sprouts will appear overnight.
3. In a pressure cooker, put oil.
4. Add the onion and fry it till it becomes golden brown. Then add the chopped ginger and garlic.
5. Then add the sprouts, tomato, turmeric, Kashmiri chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder and salt.
6. Then add 2 cups of water and pressure cook till 2 whistles.
7. Switch off the stove and let it sit till the pressure is released.
8. Lastly, add the ghee and give it a final stir.

Time Taken for Preparation:

• To get the sprouts – 1 day
• For other preparation – 5 minutes

Time Required for Cooking: 10 minutes

Servings: 4 people

4. Toddler Curd Rice

Curd rice is the comfort food for people in South India. This is a great, quick dinner idea for kids when you want something light for dinner.

What You Will Need

• 2 tbsp curd
• ½ cup rice
• 2 cups milk (or as required)
• 2-2.5 cups water
• Cream
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp sugar

For seasoning –

• 1 tbsp ghee
• ½ tsp black mustard seeds
• 1 tsp skinned black gram
• 1 tsp Asafoetida
•  ¼ cup carrot (grated) –

How to Prepare

1. Wash rice and cook it until 4 – 5 whistles.
2. Let it sit until all the pressure is released.
3. Mash the rice.
4. Add salt, yogurt, milk, sugar, cream and mix well.
5. In a frying pan, add ghee, and then add the mustard seeds, skinned black gram
6. After about 30 seconds, add the grated carrot. Sauté for a minute or so.
7. Pour it into the rice and mix well.

Time Taken for Preparation: 5 Minutes

Time Required for Cooking: 19 Minutes

Servings: 3 – 4 people

5. Oats Baked Vegetable Au Gratin

It is a no-fuss and no-spice dish and a wholesome meal in itself.

What You Will Need

• 5-6 French beans
• 1 medium-sized carrot
• 1/4 cauliflower (small)
• ½ cup green peas
• 1 small potato
• 1 medium-sized capsicum
• 100 gms oats
• 600 ml skimmed milk
• ½ tsp black pepper powder
• 2 tbsp tomato puree
• Salt

How to Prepare

1. Cut the beans diagonally into small pieces, dice the carrot, cut the cauliflower into small florets, and cut the potato and capsicum into small cubes.
2. Roast the oats.
3. Make tomato puree.
4. Pressure cook all the vegetables with a little salt.
5. Once the hissing sound starts, switch off the stove and allow the pressure to release on its own.
6. Boil the milk, add the roasted oats and keep on stirring till it turns thick.
7. Then add the salt, pepper and tomato puree to it.
8. Add the boiled vegetables to the white sauce and mix it up well.
9. Transfer the contents to a baking dish.
10. Meanwhile, preheat the oven. Once done, keep it to bake for 20 minutes at 200 degrees
11. If the upper layer does not turn brown, you can grill it for 5 minutes.
12. Serve hot with some toast.

Time Taken for Preparation: 6 – 10 minutes

Time Required for Cooking: 20 minutes (5 minutes more if you grill it)

Servings: 5 – 6 people

6. Egg Fried Rice

A perfect way to use leftover rice for a complete, balanced meal that comes together faster than takeout. Kids love the mild, familiar flavors.

Image Source : AI Generated Image

What You Will Need

• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (day-old rice works best)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• ½ cup frozen peas and carrots mix
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional for flavor)
• 1 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
• 1 green onion, sliced (optional for garnish)

How to Prepare

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Break them into small pieces with your spatula and remove from the skillet. Set aside.
3. Add the frozen peas and carrots to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
4. Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until hot.
5. Add the cooked eggs back into the skillet. Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil (if using) over the mixture.
6. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through, about 1-2 more minutes.
7. Garnish with sliced green onion if desired and serve immediately.

Time Taken for Preparation: 5 minutes

Time Required for Cooking: 7 minutes

Servings: 2 

FAQs

1. How can I use a “deconstructed” dinner strategy to reduce mealtime stress?

A “deconstructed” dinner involves serving all the components of a meal separately, allowing kids to build their own plates. This strategy reduces stress by giving children a sense of control and autonomy, minimizing resistance to unfamiliar foods. It also helps parents identify preferences without cooking multiple separate meals, making dinners more adaptable and less confrontational.

2. Why is involving my child in weekend meal prep more effective than just cooking for them during the week?

Involving kids in prep—like washing veggies or choosing recipes—fosters ownership and curiosity about food. This hands-on engagement makes them more willing to try what they helped create, turning mealtime into a collaborative experience rather than a passive one. It also teaches practical skills and fosters long-term positive associations with healthy eating.

For most people, given the hectic schedule during the day, eating is usually anything you can lay your hands on. The same must be for your kids, too, with school and all. Therefore, eating dinner, which is nutritious, easy to make (after a long and tiring day at work) and easy on your digestive system, is important. Try out the kid-friendly dinner ideas mentioned above and let your dinner time woes turn into dinner delights.

Also Read:

Potato Recipes for Kids
Cheese Recipes for Kids
Sandwich Recipes for Children
Breakfast Recipes for Children

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