As a lot of Mothers already know, saving your time and energy is vital when having a baby, so making meals that both you and the baby can eat, is a huge time saver.
It’s important to make sure each meal can fuel both you and your baby with the right amount of nutrients, carbohydrates, fibre and healthy fats. To make things even easier use superfoods such as sprouts. There are many different sprouts available but my top picks that are suitable for all ages (including babies) are alfalfa sprouts, pea shoots, bean sprouts, mung bean sprouts & lentil sprouts.
Sprouts are rich in healthy proteins, fibre and healthy carbohydrates, whilst also being packed full of essential vitamins and minerals like magnesium, calcium, folate, vitamin c, iron and vitamin k. These are all vital for good health at all ages, but especially in the early developmental stages.
Below are a few tasty recipes that you and your family can enjoy, that are full of nutrients and goodness.
Sprouted Mung Bean Chocolate Mousse
Sprouted Mung Bean Chocolate Mousse – Believe it or not, this is a delicious and healthy chocolate mousse that is rich in nutrients and taste. Plus it is vegan & gluten free.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup Aussie Sprouts Crunchy Combo
- 1/4 cup cacao or cocoa
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 4 Medjool dates, pitted
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Pinch of salt
To serve:
- 1/3 cup coconut yoghurt
- 1/3 cup raspberries
- 1 tbsp roasted nuts (e.g. hazelnuts, almonds),
- roughly chopped Grated dark chocolate
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Place Crunchy Combo Sprouts in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cover with water and simmer for 15 minutes or until soft. Drain.
- Transfer to a food processor; add all other ingredients and process until smooth.
- Divide between four glasses or ramekins and chill for 30 minutes.
- Top with yoghurt, raspberries, hazelnuts and grated chocolate and serve.
Green Mac & Cheese
Green Mac & Cheese – This Mac & Cheese is anything but unhealthy, full of the right nutrients, this comfort meal will leave you and the family satisfied and full of goodness.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 1/2 cups macaroni or other small pasta
- 50g butter
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 3 packed cups baby spinach or 80g frozen spinach
- 1/2 cup Aussie Sprouts pea shoots, long ends removed
- 2 cups grated cheese
INSTRUCTIONS
- Boil pasta in a large saucepan of boiling water for 8 minutes or according to packet directions.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Once melted stir in flour until it forms a thick paste.
- Whisk in 1/3 of the milk, then whisk in remaining milk and cook, stirring, over medium heat until mixture becomes thick (3-4 minutes).
- Stir through spinach, pea shoots and cheese and continue to stir until spinach is wilted and cheese is melted.
- Blend sauce in a food processor.
- Drain pasta and stir through sauce (alternatively, if serving as a puree, blend after adding pasta).
Pea, Zucchini & Alfalfa Omelette
Pea, Zucchini & Alfalfa Omelette – Start your day right by fueling your body with a meal like this. Its a crowd favourite that the whole family will enjoy.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 small zucchini, finely grated and liquid squeezed out
- 1/4 cup Aussie Sprouts alfalfa sprouts
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 1/4 cup grated cheese (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Crack eggs into a medium sized bowl.
- Add milk and whisk well with a fork.
- Stir through peas, zucchini, alfalfa and cheese.
- Melt butter in a small frying pan over low heat.
- Add egg mixture and cook for 5 minutes or until golden on the bottom and just set on top.
- Gently flip and cook for a further 30 seconds, or until cooked through.
About Aussie Sprouts
Aussie sprouts, an Australian owned company has a range of delicious sprout options. They are available in the fridge section at your supermarket, and make it so easy to enhance the nutrition of your meals for your family.
By Michaela Sparrow: Naturopath, Nutritionist, Anti-Ageing Practitioner @thelongevityremedy
