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It's springtime, so what better way to celebrate the longer days and (mostly) warmer weather than with some seasonal veg? Specialist children's dietitian Angharad Banner has come up with a recipe to make the most of springtime spinach.

These fritters are tasty and easy to make in batches. Toddlers and pre-schoolers can get involved in the process - especially mixing up the ingredients - and the fritters can be enjoyed from six months onwards if cut into thinner strips. They're great for hungry parents too!

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

3 minutes

Ingredients

Makes 4 fritters

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 140g spinach
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 tbsp plain flour
  • 20g grated cheese (or dairy-free cheese)
  • 1 tsp mixed herbs
A frying pan full of spinach with a wooden spatula mixing.
Image caption,
Spinach is a great way to get nutrients into your child's diet!

Method

1. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a frying pan and add spinach

2. Once wilted, put the spinach into a bowl and leave to cool for a couple

3. Once cooled, squeeze the excess liquid from the spinach and place on a board

4. Chop the spinach using scissors

5. Add the rest of the ingredients to the bowl and mix - kids love to do this, so one to get them involved with! If your child is a little older you could ask them to count ingredients as they're added too, e.g. the eggs

6. Heat the remaining tbsp of oil in a frying pan on medium heat and spoon two tbsp of mixture into the pan per fritter

7. Cook for around 60 - 90 seconds each side until lightly browned

8. Leave to cool before cutting into strips and serving

A frying pan full of spinach with a wooden spatula mixing.
Image caption,
Spinach is a great way to get nutrients into your child's diet!

Why is this recipe great for children?

Angharad is an NHS-registered children's dietition. She says, "Spinach is underused and underrated - so quick to cook and jam-packed with amazing nutrients such as fibre, vitamin C, iron, and calcium."

"This recipe is suitable for the whole family and a great idea for mealtimes to enjoy altogether."

"Fibre is essential for a heathy gut. Vitamin C can help to fight colds and other illnesses. A good amount of iron is needed in the diet from 6 months, as babies' stores are low. Developing bones and teeth need calcium too."

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