There is a lot of power in the experience of a shared family meal. As kids get older and are off in different directions, this becomes more challenging. The sooner and younger you start this habit, the more your children will benefit from the shared experience. Giving your kids the power to choose also adds to their desire to try new foods. You are your child’s best example for many things; this includes not only how to mind your dinner time manners but also how we approach food in general. They are always watching! Never underestimate the power of a shared meal and empowering them to make choices for themselves.
A family taco night is just one way we put this into practice. Here is our family recipe for the perfect Taco Tuesday (or any day)!
Ingredients:
1 and half teaspoons of: Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Salt
1 pound of meat of choice
1 can of black beans
Juice of half lime
1/3 cup of water for meat
1/3 cup of water for beans
Toppings: amount will vary on the size of your party. Add as many veggies as possible!
2 ripe avocados
Salsa
Tomatos
Crisp Lettuce – ice-burg or romaine works great
Shredded Cheese
Corn (frozen, can, or fresh off the cob)
Get creative on toppings!
Sky is the limit, we have added fresh herbs, chopped bell peppers, and banana peppers
Taco shells or tortillas or both
Chips
Serves 2 big and 2 growing people. Double if serving more.
Directions:
Add 1pound of meat, 1/4 cup of water and 1 teaspoon of Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Cumin, Paprika, and Salt to the pan.
Cook meat on medium making sure to break up and mix the spices well to incorporate.
Cook until meat is fully cooked and water has evaporated.
Drain and rinse black beans in colander.
Add beans to a sauce pan with 1/4 cup of water, juice of 1/2 lime, 1/2 teaspoon of Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Cumin, Paprika, and salt.
Cook on medium heat, stirring regularly until water starts to evaporate and beans are heated through.
I find it easiest to cook the meat and beans first.
Turn the heat off and then start on the toppings.
Chop up and separate out desired toppings in individual bowls, so kids can serve themselves.
It is an extra step of clean up but use containers that can quickly go in the dishwasher.
Have kids help cut up the veggies or separate them into serving bowls.
I will let them chop up the lettuce using scissors or ask them to help me mash the avocado.
This meal comes together fairly quickly giving them the opportunity to lend a helping hand.
Once veggies are prepped, reheat the meat and beans.
Set chips, tortillas, meat, beans and toppings out in a buffet style assembly line and have each member of the family make their own plate.
This may take some letting go but what they are learning (and the mess) will be worth it all in the end. Plus they can help clean up too.
This recipe feeds my family of 4. But I have been doubling the meat and beans lately as the kids grow and then use the leftovers for taco salad lunch prep.
Tired of traditional tacos? Try a slight twist with this Family-Style Pita Dinner
TIPS:
Easy Guacamole: Mash two ripe avocados, add juice from half a lime and a few pinches of salt. (the Chili Lime seasoning from Trader Joes is my go-to for guac seasoning).
I love all my veggies but for taco night my absolute fave is an organic grass fed beef. But you can certainly double the beans or use lentils in place of the meat.
You can use a taco seasoning packet and split it between the beans and meat if you choose. But these are spices I use regularly and I think are worth purchasing and keeping on hand.
Double portions and spices for larger crowds.
Research indicates that letting kids help and letting them choose, leads to them trying more new foods.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1626509/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7019312/
Live well friends,
Christy
