Dietitians Dish – September 25, 2023
Simply Sneaky Veggies!
Getting picky eaters to enjoy vegetables can be a challenge.
Sometimes, the best way to begin introducing more veggies is hidden in a meal they enjoy.
Sometimes, the best way to begin introducing more veggies is hidden in a meal they enjoy.
Mac & cheese or pasta sauce can easily incorporate pureed veggies. Add some finely diced veggies as a pizza topping. Pureeing and finely chopping are simple strategies to add extra veggies. Once your picky eater has tasted the final product, be sure to tell him/her what they enjoyed so they don’t feel tricked!
Make mini meatloaves with a few chopped veggies. Round out the meal with some fruit and a salad. If you’re feeling adventurous, combine them into a sweet and savory salad!
Mini Turkey Meatloaves
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 1-1/2 pounds ground turkey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1/4 cup fat-free milk
- 3 Tbsps. chopped onion
- 3 Tbsps. old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup ketchup
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°. Spray 4 (5-ounce) mini loaf pan wells with non-stick cooking spray.
- In large bowl, whisk eggs; gently mix in turkey, garlic, bell pepper, milk, onion, oats, salt, and pepper until just combined. Divide turkey mixture into prepared wells.
- Bake meatloaves for 15 minutes, then brush tops with ketchup. Bake 15 minutes more or until internal temperature reaches 165°.
Pear and Gorgonzola Salad
Ingredients:
- 8 slices bacon
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsps. minced shallot
- 1-1/2 Tbsps. balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1 package (10 oz.) baby spinach
- 1 container (4-5 oz.) crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
- 2 medium pears, cored and thinly sliced
Directions:
- In large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat for 10-12 minutes or until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain. When bacon is cool enough to handle, crumble into 1-inch pieces.
- Meanwhile, in medium bowl, whisk together oil, shallot, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- In large salad bowl, toss spinach with dressing until combined. To serve, evenly divide spinach mixture over 8 salad plates; then top with cheese, pears, and bacon.