My son just turned two, though he started showing the tell-tale signs of this milestone months ago in daily struggles over who is in control—over what he wears, where he goes, and of course, what he eats. What happened to my easy-going eater? Now he refuses foods—even old favorites or things heaskedfor—just for kicks.
Add a somewhat picky husband to the mix and I could easily find myself making separate meals for each of us every time dinner rolls around. But one ofEpi's commandments for cooking and eating with childrenis emblazoned in my brain: Kids should eat the same thing as adults (most of the time). Finding one dish to satisfy all three of us is a tall order, I know, but I'm trying really hard to stick to my guns and make it work, mostly because I just don't have the time or energy to do it any other way.
That means preparing the basic components of a meal and then letting each family member assemble their own plate just the way they like it. And that's what this column,Dinner 1-2-3, is all about.
A Dinner 1-2-3 dish is made with one set of ingredients—in this case, a gingeryturkey meatball recipe我有面条和蔬菜可以打包n three different ways. Option One is plain but tasty—great for a picky kid or one who doesn't like their food to "touch." Option Two adds a little more flavor to the mix, and Option 3 is kicked up yet another notch, so everyone at the table gets something they'll love.
Option 1: Ginger Turkey Meatballs with Plain Noodles and Veg
These easy, bite-sized turkey meatballs are anything but boring—they've got ginger, scallion, garlic, and soy to give them tons of flavor. (To make this meal gluten-free, opt forgluten-free breadcrumbsandlow-sodium tamariinstead of regular soy sauce.) Plus, they come together quickly and bake in under 20 minutes, which makes them ideal for a weeknight meal. While the meatballs cook, blanch bell pepper strips and sugar snap peas, then cook rice noodles (I like the flat variety used in pad thai) in the same boiling water. Toss the drained noodles in a little oil so they don't stick, and you've got an ideal Option 1 dinner. You can layer everything together in a bowl, or keep things in separate piles—whatever flies with your mealtime companions.
Option 2: Add A Mild, Flavorful Coconut Broth
To turn your meal into a noodle soup, start by sautéing ginger and garlic, the same aromatics that are in the meatballs. Add creamy coconut milk and a bit of chicken broth, plus savory soy sauce and bright lime juice. The resulting broth is flavorful enough to eat on its own, so after the Option 2 eaters in your home finish the noodles, meatballs, and vegetables you've added to the bowl, don't be surprised if they spoon out every last drop.
Option 3: Spice Things Up and Add Fresh and Crunchy Toppings
For a final adjustment, whiskThai red curry pasteinto the same coconut broth from Option 2, then pour it over the noodles. In addition to the meatballs and vegetables, top each bowl with extra toppings like torn basil, sliced scallions and red chiles, chopped peanuts, and a squeeze of lime. (Tip: set out extra toppings for people to add as they desire.) Then have everyone sit down to enjoy the same meal—or something close to it!
Editor’s note: This article has been updated as a part ofour archive repair project.
