Written by Judith Lynn - Paediatric Nutritionist.

Pasta spirals with tomato sauce and meatballs present a delightful alternative to the traditional spaghetti Bolognese, especially for those catering to picky eaters. The visually appealing shape of pasta spirals can intrigue and encourage children to try, making meal times less of a battle. The tomato sauce, rich in vitamins C and K, can be smoothly blended with other vegetables and placed on the side ensuring that even the most discerning eaters are nourished without realising it. Meatballs, on the other hand, are not only a great source of protein but with their drier, crispier texture can provide a more appealing option for an independent toddler wishing to self feed or use their hand to eat.  This combination offers a balanced meal, ensuring that picky eaters receive a variety of nutrients necessary for their growth and development, all the while enjoying a meal that looks fun and tastes delicious. Using all the same ingredients to a spaghetti bolognaise but presented separated on the plate help to reduce meal time dramas. 

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 360g of dried pasta shapes eg spirals, twists etc. (use wholemeal for extra fibre)
• 1 tablespoon of olive or rapeseed oil
• 400g of pre-made meatballs
• 1 large onion
• 1 large garlic clove
• 2 tins of tomatoes
• 1 carrot grated
• 1 beef stock cube
• 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp of Italian dried herbs
• Bay leaf (optional)
• Grated cheddar cheese

Method

1. Boil the kettle and add the pasta to a sauce pan.
2. Add the boiling water to the pasta and put on the hob on medium heat.
3. Heat the oil in a sauce pan
4. Finely chop the onion and garlic and fry in the oil until soft.
5. Add the tinned tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, herbs, bay leaf and stock cube
6. Add the grated carrot and stir through
7. To a frying pan add some more olive oil. Once heated add in the meatballs and fry until golden brown. OR cook the meatballs in the air frier. 
8. Let the tomato sauce simmer on medium heat, stirring frequently to ensure all the ingredients are mixed through and the sauce reduces down. 
9. Once the mixture has thickened turn off the heat and cover. (If making meatballs you could add the meatballs to the sauce at this point) or service them separate. 
10. Check the pasta – once the pasta has cooked though switch off the heat and drain
11. Serve your fussy eater the pasta, meatballs, tomato sauce and grated cheese separated to allow them to have control over their choice of what to eat. 

Nutritional Benefits to Your Picky Eater.

1. Pasta: Pasta, especially when chosen from whole grain varieties, is a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing the body with a steady source of energy. It also contains some amount of dietary fibre, which is important for digestive health, and B vitamins, which are essential for converting food into energy.

2. Meatballs: Meatballs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, necessary for building and repairing tissues, and supporting a healthy immune system. When made with lean meat, they can also be a good source of iron and zinc, which are crucial for oxygen transport in the blood and immune function, respectively. Incorporating finely chopped vegetables into meatballs can also sneak in additional nutrients without altering the taste significantly.

3. Italian Tomato Sauce: Tomato sauce is rich in vitamin C and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known for its potential to reduce the risk of certain diseases, including heart disease. Cooking tomatoes, as in making a sauce, increases the lycopene content that the body can absorb, making it even more beneficial.

4. Cheese: Cheese adds a creamy texture and a flavourful punch that many fussy eaters love. It's also an excellent source of calcium, necessary for strong bones and teeth, and provides additional protein and fat, which can be particularly beneficial for children's growth and development. Opting for milder cheeses can help appeal to the taste preferences of fussy eaters.

Combining these ingredients not only creates a meal that is appealing and tasty but also packs a nutritional punch. The key is to balance the flavours and textures to suit the palate of the fussy eater, making mealtime both enjoyable and healthful.