Looking for vegan menu planning inspiration? In this article, we’ll look at an extensive list of Nursery menu ideas for Dry season (Harmattan).
Want help planning out your menus? We’ve created a Nursery menu planner that you can use to store meal ideas, take notes and plan your term meals.
Contents
In today’s rapidly evolving world, the way we approach nutrition and food education in our youngest generations can have long-lasting implications on their health, environmental consciousness, and ethical perspectives. Vegan meal planning in preschools is not just a trend, but a transformative approach to fostering a healthier, more sustainable, and compassionate tomorrow. At this tender age, when taste preferences and dietary habits begin to form, introducing plant-based meals can instill an appreciation for the myriad flavors of vegetables, legumes, grains, and fruits. Moreover, it transcends just the plate, nurturing young minds about the interconnectedness of life, the importance of sustainable choices, and the value of kindness to all living beings. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into why vegan meal planning in preschools can be a significant cornerstone for building a brighter future. Let’s look at some examples of healthy, cost-effective meals, using local seasonal ingredients, that you can put on the vegan menu for children during Dry season (Harmattan) in your Nursery kitchen in Nigeria.
1. Okra Soup with Brown Rice: A nutritious and flavorful soup made with fresh okra, tomatoes, onions, and spices, served with brown rice for a complete meal.
2. Moin Moin (Bean Pudding) with Plantain: A traditional Nigerian dish made with blended black-eyed peas, onions, peppers, and spices, steamed to perfection and served with ripe plantains for a sweet and savory combination.
3. Vegetable Jollof Rice: A colorful and delicious one-pot rice dish cooked with local seasonal vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and green beans, flavored with tomato paste, onions, and spices.
4. Sweet Potato and Spinach Stew: A hearty stew made with locally grown sweet potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, onions, and spices, providing a good source of vitamins and minerals.
5. Nigerian-style Fried Rice: A flavorful rice dish cooked with mixed vegetables like carrots, peas, and corn, seasoned with soy sauce and spices, making it a favorite among children.
6. Yam Porridge: A comforting and nutritious dish made with yam, tomatoes, onions, and spices, cooked until soft and served as a thick porridge.
7. Coconut Curry with Chickpeas and Vegetables: A creamy and aromatic curry made with coconut milk, chickpeas, seasonal vegetables like cauliflower and green beans, and a blend of spices, served with whole wheat chapati or naan bread.
8. Plantain Pancakes with Fresh Fruit: A delightful breakfast option made with ripe plantains, whole wheat flour, and a touch of cinnamon, served with a variety of fresh seasonal fruits for added nutrition.
9. Nigerian-style Bean and Vegetable Stew: A protein-packed stew made with locally available beans, mixed vegetables, tomatoes, onions, and spices, served with whole grain bread or boiled yam.
10. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Noodles: A quick and easy stir-fry dish made with a variety of seasonal vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers, tossed with noodles and a flavorful soy sauce-based sauce.
11. Nigerian-style Oatmeal with Peanut Butter: A nutritious and filling breakfast option made with locally sourced oats, plant-based milk, and a spoonful of peanut butter for added protein and flavor.
12. Pumpkin and Lentil Soup: A comforting soup made with fresh pumpkin, lentils, onions, and spices, providing a good source of fiber and essential nutrients.
13. Nigerian-style Couscous with Vegetables: A flavorful dish made with couscous, mixed vegetables, tomatoes, onions, and spices, cooked to perfection and served as a wholesome meal.
14. Spinach and Plantain Fritters: A tasty and nutritious snack made with blended spinach, ripe plantains, and whole wheat flour, pan-fried until golden brown and served with a side of tomato sauce.
15. Nigerian-style Quinoa Salad: A refreshing salad made with cooked quinoa, diced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and a tangy lemon dressing, providing a good source of protein and fiber.
These meal ideas incorporate commonly used, seasonal local ingredients in Nigeria during the dry season (Harmattan), ensuring that the meals are both healthy and cost-effective for serving 3-5 year-old children at kindergarten
Click the button above to get our planner that can be used to store menu ideas, take notes and plan your term meals.
| Location | Nigeria |
|---|---|
| Diet | Vegan |
