Looking can be a fun and rewarding activity for kids, especially when they get to eat what they’ve made! Learning how to cook equips kids with the skills to prepare delicious meals and teaches about nutrition. Here are some easy dinner ideas that a 10-year-old can prepare, with a little help from an adult. Remember, safety first: always have an adult nearby, especially when using the stove or sharp utensils.
1. Cheesy Quesadillas
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- Tortillas
- Shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella)
- Optional: vegan chicken, beans, or vegetables
Instructions:
- Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface.
- Sprinkle cheese on one half of the tortilla. Add any optional ingredients like the vegan chicken or beans on top of the cheese.
- Fold the tortilla in half so the cheese is inside.
- With an adult’s help, heat a pan over medium heat. Place the quesadilla in the pan.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the tortilla is golden and the cheese is melted. Be careful, the pan can get very hot!
2. Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti noodles
- Jar of tomato sauce
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- With an adult’s help, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. This is when the water makes lots of bubbles. When using an electric stove burner to cook, it’s important to talk to your kids about how hot a stove gets to ensure food is cooked properly and safely. – usually, a stove can get up to around 500°F (260°C), but the water will boil at 212°F (100°C)!
- Carefully add the spaghetti noodles to the boiling water. Stir gently.
- Let the noodles cook for about 10 minutes. Ask an adult to check if they’re soft.
- With an adult’s help, drain the water from the pot using a colander (it’s like a big bowl with holes).
- Put the noodles back in the pot and add tomato sauce. Stir well.
- Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like.
3. Vegan Tuna Salad Sandwich
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- Vegan tuna (drained)
- Vegan Mayonnaise
- Celery or pickles (chopped)
- Bread
- Lettuce or tomato slices (optional)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the drained tuna with a spoonful of mayonnaise.
- Add chopped celery or pickles to the bowl and mix.
- Lay out two pieces of bread. Spread the tuna mixture on one piece of bread.
- Add lettuce or tomato if you like.
- Put the other piece of bread on top to make a sandwich.
4. Veggie and Cheese Omelette
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- Shredded cheese
- Diced vegetables (like bell peppers, tomatoes, or spinach)
- Butter or oil
Instructions:
- Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat them with a fork until mixed.
- Stir in the diced vegetables.
- With an adult’s help, heat a pan over medium heat and add a little butter or oil.
- Pour the egg and vegetable mixture into the pan. Let it cook for a few minutes without stirring.
- Sprinkle cheese over the top of the omelette.
- Carefully fold the omelette in half with a spatula. Cook for another minute or so.
- Slide the omelette onto a plate. It’s ready to eat!
Cooking is a great skill to learn, and starting with easy recipes can help kids to become more comfortable in the kitchen. Always remember to clean up after cooking and to ask for help if you’re unsure about how to use kitchen appliances safely. Happy cooking!
