My 1 year old loves beans. Mashed, with cheese, baked, refried, multiple times per day. I’m looking for other filling meal ideas that are also vegetarian.
I can’t just feed them beans.
Counter point: yes you can. Eating (non candy) largely = good. My kid is about half goodles and half watermelon today.
Can’t know what your kid likes but will pass on our success with eggs, cottage cheese, and all things bread
Thanks!
Omg the watermelon is spot on.
Tofu - OK, that’s also made of beans! But there are a ton of non-vegetarian recipes that can be modified with tofu.
Hummus! Is that just beans too? But it can be a snack, a dip, part of a pita sandwich, or much more.
Veggie hot dogs and sausages. My kids love them!
Cheese is one of the main sources of toddler protein! Grilled cheese, pizza, cheese sandwiches, string cheese.
Peanut butter and other nut butters. The advice now is to introduce it early - allergies seem to be strongest if you avoid giving kids peanuts until they’re older. GIve it to them now!
Eggs! Obviously good for breakfast, but don’t forget other meals! Egg salad can be great. Shakshuka is a delicious dinner main dish featuring eggs. You can take a really simple soup or even ramen noodles and give it protein just by dropping an egg inside.
Aren’t beans and rice a complete protein?
But maybe try lentils or quinoa? Bean + veggie chili, or soups?
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Thanks, I’m saving this comment!
We’ve taught both of those signs and have been trying tons of stuff. You’re right, this is a great time for experimenting - beans are just so reliable.
You could probably pair some grains, vegetables, and fruit with those beans? Sorry to ask, but why are you putting your one year old on a vegetarian diet, if you’re not on one? Generally speaking it’s best for kids to eat what you eat. For one, it’s just easier meal prep. For two, children are just more likely to try foods they see others eat.
A one year old doesn’t need a super structured meal. Some rice and a little fruit can go with the beans. I wouldn’t worry so much about filling meals as much as exposing your kid to as many flavors as possible before you find out how picky they’re going to be in a year. You have a higher chance of avoiding the worst of the picky eating phase if your child has a wider palette.
