International Recipes To Try With Kids

International Recipes To Try With Kids

Teaching kids about different cultures is a great way to defeat stereotypes, break down barriers and help kids value and respect people who are different from them. So why not give your kids the opportunity to experience the many cultures that make up our diverse planet, country and area? A fun way to explore our diversity is by trying out foods and mealtime customs of other nationalities and unique American regions.

If your kids are picky eaters, don’t sweat it. There are yummy foods from every culture kids will love. Try some of the following dishes at local ethnic eateries. If you can’t find the cuisine locally, find these international recipes online for your whole family to enjoy cooking together.

Middle Eastern.

There are many different Middle Eastern cuisines. The most popular in America is Lebanese. Hummus and pita bread is a healthy mouth-watering appetizer. If your family has only tried store-bought hummus, they’ll be in for a real treat with fresh, authentic hummus. Deliciously seasoned chicken shawarma, which you can order as a dinner plate with cous cous or in a pita sandwich, is a favorite Lebanese meal.

There are several Lebanese meal customs to keep in mind. First, dress well. Then greet your elders first and wait to be told where to sit. Also, hold your fork in your left hand (knife goes in the right), try all foods at the table and be prepared to take seconds and thirds at the offering of your host.

Indian.

The food of India varies somewhat by region, but there are several Indian dishes kids love. Curd rice, a yogurt rice dish of Southern India, is a favorite. Eat it plain or combine it with lentils or a meat dish. Also, nearly everyone loves tandoori chicken, including kids.

A Northern Indian favorite is matar paneer (also known as mutter paneer), a curry dish made with peas and fried cubed cottage cheese in a tomato sauce.

A few meal customs to observe include thoroughly washing your hands before the meal and eating with your hands. Avoid mixing utensils between different dishes. Also, hygiene is essential, so Indians don’t dip into shared bowls, share cutlery or pass food with their fingers. In rural settings, Indians dress comfortably and sit on floor mats.

Native American.

In the United States, there are 574 Native American tribes, so traditionally, their foods varied depending on region and availability of certain foods. Today, they eat many of the same foods as non-Native Americans. But fry bread and Navajo tacos are still quite popular and loved by kids and adults alike. Succotash, another tasty dish, is made with vegetables and flavored with bacon.

Mealtime customs vary by region, but traditionally for many tribes there was no set mealtime. Everyone just dipped into “the eternal cooking meal” when they were hungry.

Greek.

Pita gyros stuffed with beef or lamb plus tomatoes and lettuce and tzatziki (a sauce of yogurt, cucumbers and garlic) are the most popular Greek food. There’s also spanakopita, which is a great way to get kids to eat their veggies. These phyllo pastry turnovers are stuffed with spinach. There’s also crispy and gooey tyri saganaki, fried cheese, which everyone loves.

To eat like the Greeks, be prepared to adjust your meal schedule. They eat lunch at around 2 p.m. and don’t eat dinner before 9 p.m. Also, eating with your fingers rather than silverware is common, even with meat.

Irish.

Shepherd’s pie is an all-time favorite Irish dish. But don’t let the word “pie” fool you. It isn’t a dessert. Instead, it’s a tasty entree of beef or lamb, vegetables and mashed potatoes. Boxty (potato pancakes) is another Irish food kids love, as well as leek and potato soup.

Irish food customs dictate you keep your fork in your left hand, preferably with the tines turned down. Also, keep your elbows off the table and don’t get wild with hand gestures while holding your silverware.

Polish.

Pierogies are some of the most famous and favorite Polish foods with kids. These dumplings are stuffed with potatoes, sausage or even fruit. Polskie naleśniki, or Polish pancakes, is another tasty dish served a variety of ways including with cheese, meat and vegetables, or with fruity quark (a curdled dairy product).

In Poland, don’t begin eating until everyone is served and the host says it’s time to start, usually with the word “smacznego.” Your fork goes in your left hand and knife in the right. When you’re done eating, your knife and fork should be placed horizontally on your plate, facing left.

Thai.

Pad Thai is an introductory dish loved by everyone. This sweet and savory noodle dish is made with peanut sauce. Gaeng Daeng Gai (red curry) is another delicious choice. Thai is one of the hottest (spicy-hot) cuisines you’ll find. So request mild for your kids.

For dessert, don’t miss out on sticky rice served with mango!

Thai people typically use a fork and a short spoon for eating, rather than chopsticks. Each person gets a plate of rice. Then all the other dishes on the table are shared among the diners and poured over rice. Young kids usually sit on their parents’ laps and are spoon-fed rather than sitting in highchairs.

Spanish.

Not to be confused with Mexican food, one of the dishes of Spain kids enjoy is paella, which is a dish of rice, seafood and meat. Another yummy entree is empanadas, which are pockets typically filled with pork, chicken or beef with vegetables.

Late dining is also standard in Spain. Plan to eat lunch between 2 and 4 p.m. and dinner between 9 and 11 p.m. Also, Spaniards don’t eat and run. They sometimes linger for hours enjoying good company and conversation.

Cajun.

This style of Louisiana cooking is well-known for its shellfish dishes and spice. Jambalaya, made with sausage, shellfish, celery and rice stew, is one of several favorites. Another is gumbo, made with meat stew, seafood and okra.

In Southern Louisiana, food is relished, and preparation is taken quite seriously. Conversation about what you had to eat the night before is common.

Vietnamese.

The most famous Vietnamese dish for both kids and adults is pho. This noodle soup is made with beef or chicken. But it’s much more substantive than the chicken soup many Americans are familiar with. It’s usually served with fresh veggies on the side. Another yummy dish is Bánh gối. These deep-fried pockets are filled with meat, mushrooms and other vegetables.

The Vietnamese typically eat with chopsticks and a soup spoon. As a sign of respect, a bowl and spoon are handed to the eldest man at the table first. Don’t begin eating until everyone is seated and the most elderly man takes his first bite.

Related

Best Food & Dining Spots in the DMV

Kid-Friendly & Vegetarian BBQ Dishes

Healthy and Visually Appealing Snacks for Kids