Young Mum has a conundrum – one many families will relate to.
“We have silver beat growing all year round. It’s easy to grow, and free which is even better, but unfortunately it’s not a favourite with our young children. Can anyone help me with ways to introduce silver beat into our meals in a way that makes it more palatable to young tums?”
3 Comments
Hammelschwanz from Whakatane suggests, “In answer to young mum whose children do not like silver beet I would suggest to make a thick white sauce with whole milk and add finely pureed silver beet or spinach. The creaminess hides that ‘teeth blunting’ feeling, serve the vegetable with mashed potatoes and a fried or poached egg. Try and add a little vegetable stock powder or nutmeg to the blended vegetable and sauce mix.”
LandP writes, “Young Mum wanted a recipe for silver beet which her youngsters will enjoy. What follows works just as well with Spinach and is delicious. Here are the ingredients for a meal for four: 750 grams of silver beet, 2 eggs, 6 tablespoons flour, 500 grams cottage cheese, 1/4 teaspoon salt, nutmeg, freshly ground pepper, and 1½ cups grated tasty cheese.
“Wash the silver beet, trim & chop finely; cook & drain squeezing out excess water. Beat eggs & flour together until smooth, add silverbeet, cottage cheese, salt, nutmeg & pepper combining them well. Put into a well greased 23 x 34cm baking dish sprinkling more grated cheese over the top. Bake uncovered at 180 degrees for 45 minutes; it can be eaten hot or cold. A decadent option is to chop & & precook a couple of rashers of bacon sprinkling these & the bacon fat over the top a little prior to serving.”
Lorraine Barnes suggests this. “This is a useful way to use as little or as much silver beet as you prefer. I use 4 leaves of silver beet chopped finely, a batter mixture of 3/4 cup flour, 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1 or 2 eggs whisked, add flour etc., milk to thin and greens. Fry in a little hot oil. It’s lovely with tomato sauce, which should appeal to children.”
[Who can disagree with that – adding tomato sauce to anything usually does the trick! – Oily Rag Ed’]