I'm not a big fan of hiding vegetables from kids. I think if the veggies are prepared well, kids will love them. But I do try to get my son to eat cruciferous veggies almost every day. Broccoli is a superfood.
So I do use some creative energy to get cruciferous veggies into more snacks and dishes. A recent feat--getting broccoli into homemade pesto sauce. Pesto sauce is traditionally made from olive oil, basil, garlic, pine nuts, salt, and parmesan cheese. From the salt to cheese, that's a recipe for bad health.
By pairing steamed broccoli with garlic, walnuts, and nutritional yeast, you can transform pesto into a superfood dish kids will look forward to eating and doesn't contain dairy products intended to help calves grow. I threw it all into a food processor and blended.
Let’s break down the health benefits of our pesto ingredients:
Walnuts: These nuts are a fantastic source of healthy fats, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. They also add a delightful crunch to the sauce, making it more appealing to kids.
Nutritional Yeast: This is a vegan-friendly ingredient that provides a cheesy flavor without the dairy. It’s also high in B vitamins, which are essential for energy and brain function.
Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties, garlic adds depth and richness to the pesto, making it a tasty way to sneak in some health benefits.
Steamed broccoli: Steaming is one of the best ways to cook veggies while preserving their nutrients. This ends up getting blended, so adds creaminess.
How to Make the Perfect Pesto for Kids
Here’s a simple recipe for a kid-friendly pesto that will make steamed broccoli a hit at your dinner table:
Ingredients:
1 cup steamed broccoli
1/2 cup walnuts
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
2 cloves garlic
Throw in a blender and serve.
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