Medical App & Medical Advice with Hello Doctor

Bite-sized meatballs

For a balanced lunch box that keeps children full for longer, always pack in some form of protein and high-fibre starch, and make up the rest with fruit, nuts and vegetable sticks. Keep things interesting with a variety of foods, colours and textures. Remember, bite-sized pieces are easier to handle, especially for the little ones.

If your children are old enough, let them choose fruit and healthy snacks they enjoy when you go shopping, and get them involved in the kitchen by helping you prepare their lunchbox snacks, like these meatballs.

Ingredients

  • 500 g lean beef mince
  • 2 carrots, coarsely grated
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 60 ml (¼ cup) oats
  • 10 ml (2 tsp) ground coriander
  • 10 ml (2 tsp) ground cumin
  • 80 ml (â…“ cup) chopped fresh herbs, eg. Thyme, Italian parsley and oregano, lemon juice, salt and black pepper to taste
  • 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive or avocado oil for frying

Directions

  1. Place mince in a large mixing bowl with the rest of the ingredients, except the oil. Mix well and season to taste. Shape the mince mixture into small balls.
  2. Heat a thin layer of the oil in a large frying pan and fry the meatballs, in batches, on all sides until golden brown, but not cooked through.
  3. Reduce the heat and cover with a lid. Simmer for 8-10 minutes or until cooked.
  4. Repeat with the remaining meatballs and add a little more oil, if necessary.
  5. Allow to cool and use in lunch boxes. Serve with a whole wheat pita or cooked baby potatoes in the skin. Remember to fill the lunch box with lots of salad ingredients and fruit. Alternatively serve for supper with salad or veggies.

Tips

  1. The meatballs freeze well. Make a double batch and freeze half for another meal or more lunch boxes.
  2. Fill half the lunch box with fruit and veggies. Strawberries, blueberries, cooked baby potatoes, fresh carrot sticks and cherry tomatoes are perfect.

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