Easter in the UK is a time of togetherness, celebration, and, of course, family meals. When you've got little ones starting on their weaning journey or someone with special dietary requirements you don't want to be making multiple versions of one dish, there is enough to do without adding more stress to your cooking.
With a bit of extra planning, it’s easy to create a dinner that’s delicious and satisfies everyone's desires for Easter whilst making sure it meets the needs of babies and those that need to watch the foods they eat.
Here’s how to make that happen this Easter:
Traditional Easter Foods to Watch Out For
Many roast dinner staples are delicious but often loaded with sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, which aren’t ideal for young children and can impact the whole family’s health. Let’s look at a few traditional dishes and ingredients that are worth tweaking:
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Roasted Lamb: While lamb itself is fine, unnecessary fats and salts can be added. Roasting it with minimal seasoning and adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, and garlic can boost the flavour naturally. Babies can enjoy plain shredded lamb without added salt.
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Stuffing: Many stuffing recipes are high in salt and sometimes include sausage meat, which can be too salty for young children. Consider making a stuffing that’s vegetable-based, using ingredients like chestnuts, mushrooms, and herbs, with oats or breadcrumbs as the binder. This way, everyone, including weaning babies, can enjoy a portion.
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Roasted Potatoes: Crisp roasties are often made with lots of oil or fat and salt. To make a baby-friendly version, try lightly coating them with a small amount of olive oil and rosemary instead of salt. A mashed portion of roasted potatoes can be set aside for babies before adding extra seasoning for the adults.
Tips for a Healthier Easter Meal
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Reduce Added Salt: Babies’ kidneys can’t handle added salt, so keep it minimal. Instead, use herbs, lemon zest, and garlic to add flavour.
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Go Easy on Sugar: If you’re making desserts, use fruits or natural sweeteners like mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce.
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Limit Processed Ingredients: Sausages, bacon, and processed stuffing mixes are often high in salt and preservatives. Making these from scratch is healthier and allows for adjustments to suit all ages.
By adapting traditional roast dinner recipes, you can prepare a feast that’s delicious and suitable for the whole family, including weaning babies. Not only will this make mealtime easier, but it’s a wonderful way to introduce your little one to the joy of shared meals. Enjoy Easter knowing that everyone at the table is eating a meal that’s healthy and made with love!
Read more blogs from Your Family Nutritionist here.
