Get Kids to Play in The Kitchen with Zoodles
It can be a real challenge to get kids excited about eating vegetables. Let’s face it, instructing kids on the virtues of zucchini usually goes in one ear and our the other. A great way to get them interested is to make them an active participant in the process and have some fun preparing meals in the kitchen together.
Long winter days are the perfect time to get creative with zucchini, especially if you are looking for indoor activities. Zucchini is a great source of Vitamin C, fiber and beta carotene. It also serves as a great substitute for pasta, which is helpful for families switching to a gluten-free diet.
Zucchini pasta can be made by a peeler or there is a really fun tool out there called the Inspiralizer. Many children will find it fun to turn most fruits and vegetables into noodles. This is easy, fun, delicious and most importantly a healthy alternative to carbs (think pasta).
Below you will find a yummy, fun and healthy side to go along with any meal.
Zucchini Noodle Bowl
You will need:
2 Large Zucchinis
A peeler or the Inspiralizer
A big bowl (to catch the noodles)
Your topping of choice. This could include pesto, marinara, grass-fed butter, and Parmesan, or even olive oil and lemon juice. You can also, of course, top it with any other cut-up vegetables or meat.
Basically, cut both ends of the zucchini off. Place one end firmly against prongs and the other end on the metal round piece to secure the apple. Spiralize. If you do not have a spiralizer, place zucchini on its side and use the peeler to create wide noodle shapes. Dish pasta into serving bowls. Top your “pasta” with your toppings of choice. This is yummy eaten raw or you can lightly sauté in a sauté pan.
Other vegetables that are fun to spiralize are sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, and jicama.