Feeding the family healthily

[mycoffeecup]

In a real rut. Kids aged 12 and 16 - one hates fish and eggs, the other less fussy. Tend to go to the same few things all the time and very carb heavy.
Hit me with your easy and healthy ways to feed a family!

I have a v fussy family. Meals we keep coming back to:

diy pizza - I buy little bases and people add what they want
quesadillas - again, can be customised
greek salad, hummus and pittas
pulled chicken and black bean chilli
baked potatoes with beans and cheese
lentil curry
Pesto pasta with a load of frozen veg mixed in

I have a fussy DD who is also lactose intolerant. Things she likes/can eat and the rest of us also like include:

Spaghetti bolognaise
Spaghetti and meatballs
Roast chicken with all the added bits
Baked chicken pieces - usually just served with veg and new potatoes
Steak
Sausages
Chicken burgers (I make them with just plain chicken breasts)
Crumbed chicken breasts - either pre-made or made fresh by me. DD actually prefers mine but they're a bit of a hassle so I can't be bothered as a rule.
Beef burgers
Any kind of roast dinner actually.

Slow cooked sausage casserole packed with veggies

Thanks all - keep them coming!

We had beef tacos last night and they went down well with everyone - especially as all 3 DC liked different combinations of the accompaniments (salsa, grated cheese, soured cream, guacamole and jalapenos).

If you’re making mashed potatoes, add in carrot, parsnip, cauliflower or squash. I always put carrot in my cottage pie topping secretsauce.co.uk/meat-poultry/cottage-pie-recipes/cottage-pie-with-carrot-and-potato-mash/

I make this curry base sauce (which had lots of hidden veggies!) and chuck in whatever leftover meat we have. If freezes well too www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/vegetable-recipes/curry-base-sauce/

My dc really like these homemade pork and apple burgers www.dairydiary.co.uk/recipe-view/pork-apple-burgers/ and I’ve recently been using this recipe to make meatballs too

Sweet potato and cauliflower curry
Chicken, bacon and leek bake
Mediterranean veg pasta bake
Tandoori chicken breasts served with salad and homemade Nigella seeded flatbreads.
Lemon, garlic and herb chicken skewers
Spicy bean quaesidilla
Pineapple chicken stir fry with rice noodles and stir fried veg

My DD is only 18m (and v fussy) but regular rotations for us are:

• satay chicken, chips and veg
• stir fry- normally bagged veg and sauce
• burgers (shop brought) with buns and salad or chips and beans
• turkey taco spaghetti
• slow cooker meals- chilli, chicken curry, Cuban beef

-chicken fried rice

• salmon, cous cous and veg

-meatballs and pasta (jar sauce)

• lentil cottage pie
• sausages/chicken nuggets/fish fingers, chips and beans
• jacket potatoes
• omelette and salad
• bacon, sage and squash orzo
• bolognese
• mac a ratatouille (ratatouille and macaroni basically)
• chicken fajitas

-Pizza- either shop brought or puff pastry one made myself

• Beans or egg on toast

I think self assembly meals are best, with a selection of vegetables. For example fajitas with avocado and salad.

This has always been popular with my kids and packs in a lot of veg;
Jamie Oliver's Hit 'n Run chicken.
I allow about 300gr of veg per person, though an adult could have 400gr
Two skinless chicken thighs per person. Teens might want three.
Quarter some red onions
Thick slices of peppers
Slice up a couple courgettes
Quarter some tomatoes or throw in a dozen or so cherry ones
Several garlic cloves skin on slightly crushed.
All in a roasting pan. Drizzle generous amount of olive oil, same again with balsamic vinegar, at least a tablespoon of hot paprika, same again smoked paprika. Toss. Lay chicken on top, another dusting of paprika, stick in oven for 45 min. Serve with rice.

I’m in a rut too OP.

I’m finding healthy eating at a budget cost for slightly fussy kids quite difficult!

Fajitas and home made pizzas are the biggest hit in our house.

Mine love salmon with new potatoes and sweetcorn but I’ve just refused to buy salmon due to the price 😩

tonight we’re having home made sausage and some pie with mash topping and beans.

thank you all, will try some of these!