21Jul
Warm and Nourishing: Soups to Delight Little Ones
With Winter chills officially all around us, it’s important to keep our little ones warm, nourished, and healthy. One delicious way to achieve this is through hearty and nutritious soups. Get ready to warm both their bellies and hearts with these comforting, kid-friendly options…
| Butternut and Sweet Potato | Tomato and Vegetable Alphabet | Creamy Broccoli and Cheese |
| 1 small butternut, cubed2 medium sweet potatoes, cubed1 onion, finely chopped2 cloves of garlic, minced1 tablespoon olive oil4 cups vegetable broth1 teaspoon ground cumin1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger1/4 teaspoon ground nutmegSalt and pepper to taste | 1 tablespoon olive oil1 onion, finely chopped2 cloves of garlic, minced2 carrots, peeled and diced2 celery stalks, diced1 can diced tomatoes4 cups vegetable broth1 cup alphabet pasta (or any small pasta shape)1 teaspoon dried basil1 teaspoon dried oreganoSalt and pepper to taste | 2 tablespoons butter1 onion, finely chopped2 cloves of garlic, minced2 cups broccoli florets4 cups vegetable broth1 cup milk (you can use cow’s milk or a non-dairy alternative)1 cup shredded cheddar cheeseSalt and pepper to taste |
| Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent.Add the butternut and sweet potatoes to the pot, stirring well to coat them in the onion and garlic mixture.Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot, allowing the vegetables to cook until tender (approximately 20-25 minutes).Once the vegetables are soft, blend until smooth and creamy. If needed, add more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.Season the soup with cumin, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, adjusting the flavours to suit your toddler’s taste preferences.Serve the soup topped with grated cheese / a dollop of plain yogurt / a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavour and visual appeal. | Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.Add the carrots and celery to the pot, stirring well to combine with the onion and garlic.Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.Add the alphabet pasta, basil, and oregano to the pot. Cook according to the pasta package instructions until al dente.Season with salt and pepper to taste.For older children, encourage them to find and name the letters as they enjoy their meal. | In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent.Add the broccoli florets to the pot, stirring well to coat them with the butter, onion, and garlic mixture.Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the broccoli is tender (about 10-15 minutes).Blend to puree until smooth.Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir in the milk. Heat the soup over low heat, stirring continuously.Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the soup, stirring until melted and creamy.Season with salt and pepper to taste.Serve the creamy broccoli and cheese soup hot and consider offering some whole grain bread for dipping. |
Soup is the ideal way to feed younger babies, and to sneak in all the healthy vegetables for older toddlers. But we also know that toddlers can like something today and hate it tomorrow, so here are a few serving suggestions for pickier eaters:
Temperature: Ensure the soup is served at an appropriate temperature for your child. Test a small spoonful before serving to avoid burning their mouths and putting them off the meal. You can also add a little breast milk/formula to adjust the temperature if needed.
Texture: For younger toddlers who are just starting to explore different textures, pureeing the soup until smooth is ideal. As they grow older, you can gradually introduce some small chunks of cooked vegetables for added texture and chewing practice. If your little one hates texture, try serving the soup in a cup to entice them into trying it.
Dipping Delights: Some toddlers enjoy the tactile experience of dipping and dunking. Provide soft breadsticks, whole grain crackers, or strips of lightly toasted bread for dipping into the soup. This can make mealtime more interactive and engaging for picky eaters.
Creative Shapes: Make mealtime fun by using cookie cutters to shape soft bread or whole wheat wraps into fun shapes. Serve these alongside the soup to encourage little ones to try new foods.
Sneak in Nutrition: Enhance the nutritional value of the soup by incorporating pureed spinach, carrots, or cooked lentils into the recipe. This helps boost the vitamin and protein content and adds an extra serving of vegetables without altering the flavour significantly.
Soups are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients to keep your little ones healthy and satisfied during these winter months. Feel free to adjust the seasonings and ingredients according to your child’s preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy the cozy warmth of meal times this week!