Feeding kids can sometimes feel like a battle, especially when trying to stick to a vegan lifestyle on a budget. But fear not!
Vegan cooking for children doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a bit of creativity and smart ingredient choices, you can prepare delicious, nutritious, and kid-approved meals that won’t break the bank.
These cheap, easy, kid-friendly vegan recipes are perfect for busy parents who want wholesome meals on the table fast. From colorful veggie-packed dishes to simple snacks, each recipe is designed to delight little taste buds while providing essential nutrients for growing bodies.
Whether your child is a picky eater or an adventurous foodie, these recipes are adaptable and fun to make together. Plus, they use common pantry staples and fresh produce, keeping costs low without sacrificing flavor.
Get ready to discover some tasty vegan dishes your kids will actually ask for — and that you’ll love making!
Why You’ll Love These Recipes
These cheap, easy, kid-friendly vegan recipes are:
- Budget-friendly: Using affordable ingredients and minimal waste.
- Simple to prepare: Perfect for busy families with limited time.
- Nutritious: Packed with plant-based proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
- Kid-approved: Mild flavors and fun textures that children enjoy.
- Versatile: Easy to customize based on your child’s preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chickpeas (canned or cooked) | 2 cups | Great plant protein base |
| Carrots | 2 medium | Grated or finely chopped |
| Frozen peas | 1 cup | A kid-friendly sweet veggie |
| Oats | 1 cup | Use rolled oats for texture |
| Flaxseed meal | 2 tablespoons | Mixed with water as egg replacer |
| Whole wheat flour | ½ cup | For binding |
| Vegetable broth | ½ cup | Low sodium preferred |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons | For mild flavor and color |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | Optional, for subtle taste |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon | Optional |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | For cooking and moisture |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon | Optional, adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon | Mild seasoning |
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Food processor or blender (optional but helpful)
- Spatula
- Oven
- Grater (for carrots)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, mix the flaxseed meal with 6 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens.
- Process the chickpeas: If you have a food processor, pulse the chickpeas until they are roughly mashed but still have some texture. If not, mash them with a fork or potato masher.
- Grate the carrots and thaw the frozen peas if needed.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine: mashed chickpeas, grated carrots, peas, oats, whole wheat flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the flax egg, tomato paste, vegetable broth, and olive oil to the bowl. Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be sticky but hold its shape when formed into patties.
- Form small patties (about 2-3 inches wide) with your hands and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the patties are golden and firm to the touch.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving to your little ones.
Tips & Variations
To make this recipe even more fun for kids, try adding finely chopped sweet corn or mild bell peppers for extra color and sweetness.
You can also swap the chickpeas for black beans or lentils for a different flavor and texture.
For a gluten-free version, substitute whole wheat flour with chickpea flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Serve the patties with a simple vegan yogurt or ketchup dip to encourage kids to try new flavors.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 patty) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 kcal |
| Protein | 4.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Fat | 2.5 g |
| Sodium | 100 mg (variable) |
Serving Suggestions
These vegan chickpea patties are incredibly versatile. Serve them in a whole grain bun with lettuce, tomato, and a creamy avocado spread for a nutritious burger experience.
They also pair wonderfully with steamed veggies or a simple side salad for a balanced meal. For a fun snack, cut the patties into bite-sized pieces and offer them alongside your child’s favorite dipping sauces.
Kids love pairing these patties with sweet potato fries or crunchy carrot sticks, making mealtime colorful and exciting.
More Cheap, Easy, Kid-Friendly Vegan Recipes to Try
Looking to expand your vegan meal rotation? Check out these other fantastic recipes:
- Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food – a warm, hearty mix of root vegetables and savory herbs perfect for breakfast or dinner.
- Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes – a fun, meaty textured dish that’s great for introducing kids to mushrooms.
- Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe – a bright, fresh pasta dish using vegan ricotta that’s easy to whip up and kid-approved.
Conclusion
Creating cheap, easy, and kid-friendly vegan meals is totally achievable with a little planning and some wholesome ingredients. The chickpea patties recipe shared here is a shining example of how simple pantry staples can be transformed into a tasty, nutritious dish that kids will love.
It’s packed with protein and fiber, easy to prepare, and versatile enough to suit many tastes and preferences.
Remember, involving your children in the kitchen not only teaches them valuable skills but also encourages a positive relationship with food. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, spices, and serving styles to keep mealtime exciting.
For more inspiration, explore some of our other vegan recipes linked above that are equally budget-conscious and kid-approved. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Easy Vegan Chickpea Pasta
Description: A quick, budget-friendly vegan pasta recipe kids love. Packed with protein and simple ingredients for a healthy meal.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add chickpeas, marinara sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
- Mix sauce with pasta and sprinkle nutritional yeast on top before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 6 g | Carbs: 55 g
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