Peas are an important part of any child’s healthy, balanced diet. And just like our suggestions for getting the littles ones to eat spinach, we have some ideas for cooking peas, too – using recipes the kids won’t object to!
Why peas are good for you
This particular variety of legumes has Asian origins, though it’s been known in the Mediterranean area since antiquity. With its characteristic sweet taste – coming from the higher presence of simple sugars compared to other legumes – peas are still low in calories. They contain folic acid, vitamin C and minerals like potassium, magnesium, iron and calcium. They are made of 80% water – as well as fiber, sugars and low fat. Dried peas are rich in protein, calcium, potassium, iron and phosphorus, and they contain less starch than beans, making them more digestible.
Peas for your little one during weaning
Peas can be introduced into a child’s diet around the age of 9 months, but some nutritionists suggest serving them to your little one even in the early stages of weaning. Like all legumes, they are usually cooked and then blended without skin in order to make them more digestible. You can serve them mashed, blended or combined with a little regular flour or semolina flour. Children a little older can also eat them lightly blended as an addition to short varieties of pasta – with basil, mint and a little Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
Tasty croquettes for the "older" children
Once the weaning phase is over, children find it a little more difficult to appreciate certain ingredients – especially if they are green – but peas are generally the exception to this rule because they are sweet and soft. The most delicious way to cook them is always in meatballs, or with crispy croquettes. Just boil them with carrots and potatoes. Mash everything together, adding an egg and some parmesan cheese. Make meatball or burger shapes with the mixture. Make a simple breading with beaten egg and breadcrumbs or even with some chopped cornflakes or slivered almonds. Fry them in a pan with extra-virgin olive oil or bake in the oven.
Food art
Peas – like many other fresh seasonal ingredients – can be transformed into colorful and original shapes on a white plate. Have fun creating fun characters for your children, who will be more excited to eat them and inspired to discover more about other fantastic stories made with vegetables, legumes and fruit!