Here’s a handful of ideas on what to make when you’re trying to keep your young ones eating the right way.
Mini Matzo Ball Soup
Why kids love it: Soft texture, tiny size, gentle flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup matzo meal
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp light oil
- 2–3 tbsp water
- Pinch of salt
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Sliced carrots
Instructions: Mix matzo meal, eggs, oil, water, and a little salt. Chill 20 minutes. Roll tiny kid-sized matzo balls. Simmer in broth with carrots for 20 minutes.
Hummus & Veggie Roll-Ups
Why kids love it: Fun shape plus mild flavors.
Ingredients:
- Tortilla or whole-wheat wrap
- 2 tbsp hummus
- Thin strips of cucumber, carrot, and bell pepper
Instructions: Spread hummus on wrap. Add veggies. Roll tightly and slice into pinwheels.
Mini Pita Pizzas (Israeli-Style)
Why kids love it: Tiny pizza, easy to customize.
Ingredients:
- Mini whole-wheat pitas
- Tomato sauce
- Low-fat mozzarella
- Optional: olives, tomatoes, mushrooms
Instructions: Spread sauce on pitas. Add cheese and toppings. Bake at 375°F for 8 minutes.
Chicken Schnitzel Bites (Oven-Baked)
Why kids love it: Crispy nuggets — but healthier.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast cut into small pieces
- 1 egg
- Whole-wheat breadcrumbs
- Salt & pepper
Instructions: Dip chicken in egg, then crumbs. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes.
Apple Cinnamon “Compote Cups”
Why kids love it: Natural sweetness, soft fruit.
Ingredients:
- 2 apples, diced
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp honey
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions: Cook everything in a small pot for 10 minutes. Serve warm or chilled.
Soft Chickpea Patties (Kid-Friendly Falafel)
Why kids love it: Soft, mild-tasting, perfect finger food.
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp flour
- Pinch of garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions: Mash chickpeas with egg and seasonings. Form soft patties. Bake 12–15 minutes.
Nathalie Noonberg
These are not really good ideas. Kids need more protein and fat as they are growing and burning energy. Chick peas are incomplete protein without eggs, cheese/milk or meat. Hummus is mostly fat, though good fat. Hummus, chick peas, will also cause embarrassing gas. The pizza idea is fine, but not enough protein. One is a good after-school snack. Lots of tomato sauce, etc., is a good way around them not wanting vegetables. You can also put it on vegetables to make them more appealing, or a cheese sauce.