Looking for dairy-free menu planning inspiration? In this article, we’ll look at an extensive list of Preschool/Kindergarten menu ideas for Tag-ulan (Rainy season).
Want help planning out your menus? We’ve created a Preschool/Kindergarten menu planner that you can use to store meal ideas, take notes and plan your term meals.
Contents
In today’s diverse and health-conscious world, understanding and accommodating the dietary needs of every child has become more essential than ever before. Dairy-free meal planning in preschools isn’t just a fleeting trend; it’s a proactive response to a growing need. With an increase in dairy allergies and intolerances, along with more families choosing plant-based diets for ethical or health reasons, it’s paramount that educational institutions recognize and address this shift. Providing dairy-free options in preschools not only ensures the well-being of children with dietary restrictions but also fosters an inclusive environment where every child, regardless of their dietary choices or needs, can thrive. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the manifold reasons why dairy-free meal planning is becoming an indispensable component of modern preschool education. Let’s look at some examples of healthy, cost-effective meals, using local seasonal ingredients, that you can put on the dairy-free menu for children during Tag-ulan (Rainy season) in your Preschool/Kindergarten kitchen in the Philippines.
1. Sinigang na Hipon (Shrimp Tamarind Soup): A traditional Filipino soup made with fresh shrimp, tamarind, and a variety of vegetables like kangkong (water spinach), radish, and tomatoes. Served with steamed rice, this tangy and nutritious soup is perfect for a rainy day.
2. Chicken Arroz Caldo (Chicken Rice Porridge): A comforting and filling dish made with chicken, ginger, garlic, and rice. This warm and creamy porridge is topped with crispy fried garlic, spring onions, and a squeeze of calamansi (Philippine lime) for added flavor.
3. Ginisang Monggo (Mung Bean Stew): A hearty and nutritious stew made with mung beans, vegetables like spinach and bitter melon, and flavored with garlic, onions, and fish sauce. This dish is rich in protein and fiber, perfect for keeping the little ones full and satisfied.
4. Tinolang Manok (Chicken Ginger Soup): A light and flavorful soup made with chicken, ginger, and green papaya or chayote. This soup is known for its soothing properties and is often served with steamed rice for a complete meal.
5. Pinakbet (Mixed Vegetable Stew): A colorful and nutritious dish made with a variety of local vegetables such as eggplant, okra, squash, and bitter melon. Cooked in shrimp paste and flavored with garlic and onions, this vegetable stew is a great way to introduce different flavors and textures to children.
6. Pancit Canton (Stir-Fried Noodles): A popular Filipino noodle dish made with wheat noodles, vegetables, and a choice of meat or seafood. This dish is quick to prepare and can be customized with different vegetables and proteins to suit the children’s preferences.
7. Adobong Sitaw (Stir-Fried Yardlong Beans): A simple yet flavorful dish made with yardlong beans, garlic, soy sauce, and vinegar. This vegetable stir-fry is a great source of vitamins and minerals and can be served with steamed rice or as a side dish.
8. Bistek Tagalog (Filipino Beef Steak): Thinly sliced beef marinated in soy sauce and calamansi juice, then pan-fried with onions. This savory and tangy dish is a favorite among children and can be served with steamed rice and a side of vegetables.
9. Ginataang Kalabasa at Sitaw (Squash and String Beans in Coconut Milk): A creamy and delicious dish made with squash, string beans, and coconut milk. This vegetable stew is packed with vitamins and minerals and can be enjoyed with steamed rice or as a soup.
10. Lumpiang Gulay (Vegetable Spring Rolls): Fresh vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and beansprouts wrapped in rice paper and deep-fried until crispy. These vegetable spring rolls are a fun and nutritious finger food option for children and can be served with a sweet chili dipping sauce.
11. Sopas (Creamy Chicken Macaroni Soup): A creamy and comforting soup made with chicken, macaroni, vegetables, and milk. This soup is perfect for warming up during the rainy season and can be served as a complete meal.
12. Ginisang Upo (Stir-Fried Bottle Gourd): Bottle gourd cooked with garlic, onions, and tomatoes, then flavored with fish sauce. This simple and nutritious dish can be served with steamed rice and is a great way to introduce children to different vegetables.
13. Nilagang Baka (Beef Soup with Vegetables): A hearty soup made with beef, potatoes, cabbage, and other seasonal vegetables. This soup is rich in flavors and nutrients, making it a wholesome meal option for children.
14. Tortang Talong (Eggplant Omelette): Grilled eggplant dipped in beaten eggs and pan-fried until golden brown. This simple yet delicious dish can be served with steamed rice and a side of tomato salsa.
15. Sinampalukang Manok (Chicken Tamarind Soup): A sour and savory soup made with chicken, tamarind, and various vegetables like kangkong and string beans. This soup is packed with flavors and is best enjoyed with steamed rice.
These dairy-free meals are not only healthy and cost-effective but also utilize commonly-used, seasonal local ingredients in the Philippines during the rainy season. They provide a variety of flavors and textures to cater to the taste preferences of 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 | Philippines |
|---|---|
| Diet | Dairy-Free |
