4 Recipes With Quinoa For Children

Quinoa is beneficial for children, among other qualities, due to its high content of proteins and amino acids, which influence brain development. It also contains a significant amount of protein.

Quinoa is a cereal highly appreciated for its nutritional qualities and for its flavor, which makes it ideal for children. Among other properties, this food is gluten-free and rich in iron and protein.

Its flavor is similar to that of hazelnut, so it is very possible that through some recipes with quinoa for children you can introduce this precious food into your child’s diet. This will ensure that you provide high-quality carbohydrates.

Quinoa benefits

Every 100 grams of seed provides:

• 16 grams of protein.
• 15 grams of insoluble fiber.
• 200 calories.
• 39 grams of carbohydrates.
• 4 grams of fat.
• Minerals (magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus).
• Vitamins (from complex B, E).
• Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.

Before cooking the quinoa you should rinse it in several water baths to remove all its impurities and its slight bitter taste. Its texture, along with the size and shape of the balls, appeals to most children, so you can consider introducing small portions progressively.

Do you want to know how to make some dishes with quinoa so that they are attractive enough to attract the attention of children? Let’s give you some ideas.

4 recipes with quinoa for children

We are going to present you 4 recipes for you to include quinoa in your usual diet. In this way, both you and your children can benefit from the nutritional properties of said food.

1. Meatballs with quinoa

It is a dish that stands out for its protein and iron content. This last mineral contributes to reducing the risk of anemia, as stated by research published in the journal The Medical Clinics of North America. However, it is important to ensure the presence of vitamin C in the diet to maximize its absorption.

Ingredients

• 150 grams of cooked and drained quinoa.
• 300 grams of meat ground.
• 2 shallots, minced
• 100 grams of grated cheese.
• Half a tablespoon of sweet paprika.
• Half a tablespoon of cumin.
• 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
• Salt and pepper.

Preparation

1. In a large bowl,  mix all the ingredients (we remind you that you have previously cooked and drained the quinoa).
2. Shape the preparation of the meatballs.
3. Cover and refrigerate the meatballs for about 2 hours.
4. Cook them gently in a skillet. You can serve the result with some raw vegetables and a sauce.

2. Quinoa and chicken curry

Have you heard about the properties of curry? It is a spice with a remarkable content of phytonutrients, with antioxidant capacity. Its main ingredient is turmeric. Its active ingredient, curcumin, has been shown to help reduce inflammation and the formation of free radicals.

Ingredients

• 200 grams of quinoa.
• 2 carrots
• Two onions.
• 2 zucchini.
• Candied lemon.
• 4 chicken fillets .
• Half a tablespoon of curry.
• Salt and pepper.

Preparation

1. The first step is to rinse the quinoa in cold water to eliminate the risk of bitterness.
2. Peel and cut the carrots and onions.
3. Cut the chicken fillets and add a little salt, pepper and curry.
4. If you have a multi-stage steamer, set the quinoa to the lowest setting, then the veggies, and finally the chicken. Otherwise, cook each meal separately for 20 minutes.
5. Finally, serve and sprinkle some quinoa, vegetables and chicken, to finish decorating the plate with a parsley leaf.

3. Mexican quinoa salad

With this dish you will be transported to Mexico and you will experience a fusion of flavors, but without an excess of spice.

Ingredients

• Half a cup of quinoa.
• 1 cup of water
• 1 can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup of corn kernels.
• 10 cherry tomatoes cut in half
• 1/2 green pepper cut into cubes.
• 1 avocado cut into cubes.
• A few drops of lemon juice.
• One teaspoon of oil.
• Salt and pepper.

Preparation

1. Rinse the quinoa in cold water.
2. In a saucepan, bring to a boil adding salt and pepper. Cook over low heat for 15 to 16 minutes, until the liquid is completely absorbed. Remove from the fire and let cool.
3. In a salad bowl, add the beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, quinoa, and red onion. Include a little oil and a few drops of lemon juice and stir.
4. Then add the avocado cubes and turn gently.
5. Depending on your child’s choice, you can add a sauce to their liking.

4. Pumpkin gratin with quinoa

The pumpkin stands out mainly for its content of vitamin A, a nutrient capable of preventing macular damage and visual problems.

Ingredients

• 250 grams of peeled pumpkin.
• 40 grams of quinoa.
• 20 cl of milk.
• 1 egg
• Some grated cheese.
• Butter for mussels ..

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 210 ° C.
2. Wash, peel and cut the pumpkin into small cubes. You should then cook it, steamed, for 10-15 minutes, until they are tender.
3. In a small saucepan, heat the milk until it boils. Add the quinoa, reduce the heat and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. In a bowl, mash the pumpkin cubes with a fork.
5. Add the quinoa pudding to the pumpkin puree and mix.
6. Beat the egg and add it to the mixture, to later mix with energy.
7. Grease the molds and fill them with the result.
8. Sprinkle with grated cheese and bake for 20 minutes.
9. Finally, let the gratin heat up and serve this dish to your child with a small piece of white fish or chicken to complete the meal.

Prepare recipes with quinoa to increase the variety of the diet

As we have told you, quinoa is a food that has many benefits, so its presence in the diet is highly recommended. As you have seen, it is very easy to introduce it into some simple dishes. You just need a little creativity. What are you waiting for to give it a try?