Mexican food is a popular option for families, and it’s easy to see why it’s especially appealing to children. Mexican cuisine, with its bold flavors, bright colors, and fun presentation, is an excellent choice for young children who are just beginning to develop their palates. But it’s not just the taste and appearance that make Mexican food appealing to children, there are several other reasons and we have compiled the best for you.
Mexican food is renowned for its varied components, which include a huge selection of meats, vegetables, and grains. Kids may quickly find something they like thanks to the diversity, whether they want tacos, enchiladas, or burritos. They have so many options that adding new foods and flavors to their meals is also a breeze for them.
When prepared with fresh ingredients and eaten in moderation, Mexican food can be a nutritious option for kids. A range of nutrient-dense toppings, like avocado, salsa, and lettuce, can be added to many Mexican recipes, including tacos and enchiladas, which are high in protein and fiber.
One of the best things about Mexican food is that it’s perfect for hands-on eating, making it a fun choice for kids. Tacos, for example, are easy to assemble and can be filled with a variety of ingredients, giving kids the opportunity to get creative and build their own perfect meal.
Mexican food is also easy to make at home, which is perfect for families who want to cook healthy meals for their kids. Many Mexican dishes, such as quesadillas and tacos, are simple to prepare and can be made with ingredients that are easy to find at the grocery store.
Here are some easy-to-try recipes at home with your super kids:
Quesadillas
Kids adore the traditional Mexican dish known as quesadillas. They are simple to create and can be filled with cheese, chicken, meat, or veggies, among other things. Thanks to the cheese, quesadillas are a fantastic source of calcium. Depending on the contents, they can also be a source of protein and fiber.
Easy Quesadilla Recipe:
Ingredients:
4 flour tortillas
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination)
1 cup cooked and shredded chicken or beef (optional)
1/2 cup diced vegetables (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms) (optional)
Butter or cooking spray
Instructions:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with half of the cheese, chicken or beef, and vegetables, if using.
- Top with another tortilla and gently press down with a spatula.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas and fillings.
- Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve with salsa and sour cream, if desired.
Tacos
Another adaptable Mexican cuisine that children adore is tacos. They can be made vegetarian by adding beans and vegetables or a range of meats like chicken, beef, or fish. Tacos may be adjusted to incorporate a range of nutrient-dense ingredients, such as avocado, lettuce, and salsa, and they are a rich source of protein and fibre.
Easy Taco Recipe:
Ingredients:
8-10 taco shells
1 lb. ground beef or chicken
1 packet of taco seasoning
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 diced tomato
1 diced avocado
1 cup shredded cheese
Salsa and sour cream, for serving
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or chicken over medium heat until browned.
- Drain any excess fat and stir in the taco seasoning.
- Warm the taco shells in the oven or on a griddle.
- Fill each taco shell with a scoop of the meat mixture, lettuce, tomato, avocado, cheese, and salsa.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Enchiladas
Enchiladas are a traditional Mexican dish produced by enclosing a filling, typically made of cheese, chicken, or beef, in a tortilla and then smothering it in a tasty sauce. Enchiladas can be made healthier by using whole wheat tortillas and a variety of nutrient-dense contents, such as beans, corn, and vegetables. Enchiladas are a good source of protein and fiber.
Easy Enchilada Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 8-10 corn or whole wheat tortillas
- 1 lb. cooked and shredded chicken or beef
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup diced vegetables (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms)
- 1 can of enchilada sauce
- Shredded lettuce, for serving
- Salsa
So why not add some Mexican dishes to your family’s meal plan and enjoy all the benefits of this delicious cuisine? We are sure your kids will fall in love with these vibrant recipes and will be excited to eat their veggies in fun and quirky way.
