Hi friends!
Another plant-based meal guide for babies and toddlers. I feel like I am having to cook less and less exclusively for Willow and she’s starting to eat more of what we eat. However, there are still certain things I really enjoy making for her. And to best honest, these are also family-friendly, so my husband and I will eat the same (with modifications, of course).
You can always find photos of exactly what Willow is eating here, but here is a general overview of our go-to meals for her lately. I hope it’s helpful!
Tofu scramble. This is such an easy meal that is protein-packed. I share a simple recipe here, but I have been adding more veggies to it lately. Anything goes – whatever your kiddo likes. I will even add some black beans for a southwestern vibe. Willow’s favorite is definitely avocado and zucchini.
Pancakes. This girl eats pancakes for breakfast every single day, because they are so easy to make and super healthy! You can get creative with them and add yogurt and fruit on the side. I use this base recipe most of the time.
Toast with avocado, hummus, or nut butter. Just a slice of whole wheat bread with some topping. She really loves avocado toast (who doesn’t) but peanut butter toast is right behind.
White bean pancakes. Another simple recipe that is protein-packed and great for lunch.
Lentil or chickpea patties. Fritters/patties… whatever you want to call them. Here is a basic recipe, but I always play around with the veggies I include.
Pasta with sauce. Willow loves her pasta. I usually make spirals or shells – brown rice or whole wheat – and top with whatever sauce I have on hand or make. Some of her favorite sauces are: puréed sweet potato with nutritional yeast, “cheese” sauce, marinara, puréed avocado, pesto, lentil and veggie sauce (this one I make on the thicker side and don’t add salt).
Coconut lentil stew. Whenever I make lentil stew for myself, I will pull out the cooked lentils and veggies… I don’t add salt, either.
Burrito “bowl”. This is basically just a disassembled burrito – black beans, avocado, and mild salsa. Sometimes I’ll add some brown rice and quinoa.
Baked or steamed veggies. This is always easy because I bake/steam veggies every week. She eats a wide variety, from sweet potatoes to onions to broccoli and everything in between.
Fresh fruit. A no-brainer, but she eats a lot of fruit! I serve her fruit for her breakfast every single day along with her pancakes, and also as dessert after lunch and dinner.
Green smoothies. Anything goes here. Just add spinach/kale and some fruit. Willow favorites are mango and strawberry with greens and peanut butter and banana with greens.
Oatmeal. This is messy, but sometimes I will give her a bowl of oatmeal mixed with either peanut butter or some mashed fruit. Add some cinnamon – she loves it. I make it on the thicker side so she can eat with her hands.
Shepherd’s pie. I make this shepherd’s pie recipe with TVP or beans (I haven’t tried tempeh with her yet). I omit any salt and season with smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic, etc. She LOVES this!
If you guys would like the recipes for any of the above that I may not have linked to a recipe for, let me know. I will have to put something together if there is a demand. Definitely let me know in the comments.
What are some of your favorite meals for your vegan/plant-based kiddo(s)? I’m always looking to add new meals to our arsenal.
Enjoy the day. xx bianca
