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It's springtime, so what better way to celebrate the longer days and (mostly) warmer weather than with some seasonal veg? Specialist children's dietitian Angharad Banner has come up with a recipe to make the most of springtime spinach.
These fritters are tasty and easy to make in batches. Toddlers and pre-schoolers can get involved in the process - especially mixing up the ingredients - and the fritters can be enjoyed from six months onwards if cut into thinner strips. They're great for hungry parents too!
Preparation time
15 minutes
Cooking time
3 minutes
Ingredients
Makes 4 fritters
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 140g spinach
- 2 eggs
- 3 tbsp plain flour
- 20g grated cheese (or dairy-free cheese)
- 1 tsp mixed herbs
Method
1. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a frying pan and add spinach
2. Once wilted, put the spinach into a bowl and leave to cool for a couple
3. Once cooled, squeeze the excess liquid from the spinach and place on a board
4. Chop the spinach using scissors
5. Add the rest of the ingredients to the bowl and mix - kids love to do this, so one to get them involved with! If your child is a little older you could ask them to count ingredients as they're added too, e.g. the eggs
6. Heat the remaining tbsp of oil in a frying pan on medium heat and spoon two tbsp of mixture into the pan per fritter
7. Cook for around 60 - 90 seconds each side until lightly browned
8. Leave to cool before cutting into strips and serving
Why is this recipe great for children?
Angharad is an NHS-registered children's dietition. She says, "Spinach is underused and underrated - so quick to cook and jam-packed with amazing nutrients such as fibre, vitamin C, iron, and calcium."
"This recipe is suitable for the whole family and a great idea for mealtimes to enjoy altogether."
"Fibre is essential for a heathy gut. Vitamin C can help to fight colds and other illnesses. A good amount of iron is needed in the diet from 6 months, as babies' stores are low. Developing bones and teeth need calcium too."
