Happy kids, happy wallet: budget-friendly meal ideas to keep them full

It’s school holidays, and during this period, parents often find themselves facing the delightful yet daunting task of keeping their kids entertained. 

Adding to the challenge is the need to manage tight budgets, especially with rising costs of living. 

However, this period also presents an opportunity to unleash creativity in the kitchen. 

From easy-to-prepare snacks to fun family meals, there are myriad ways to keep young appetites satisfied without breaking the bank.

Planning is key 

One of the most effective ways to stay on budget is to plan your meals. Create a weekly meal plan that utilises ingredients you already have at home and factor in what is on special at your local grocery store.

This method not only minimises waste but also allows you to make the most of in-season produce, which often comes at a better price.

Here are some engaging meal ideas that can turn the hustle of holiday cooking into a fun-filled family affair:

DIY pizza party

Transform your kitchen into a pizzeria! Use store-bought dough or even pitta bread as the base.

Allow kids to select from a variety of inexpensive toppings such as vegetables, cheese and sauces. It’s a great way to let their creativity shine while indulging in a beloved favourite.

Fruit and vegetable skewers

Inject some colour into lunch with fruit and vegetable skewers.

Kids can help thread pieces of cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers and pieces of assorted fruits onto wooden skewers.

Serve them with a homemade dip, such as yoghurt mixed with herbs or a light vinaigrette, turning them into a fun finger food that encourages healthy eating.

Creative sandwiches 

Sandwiches don’t have to be boring!

Transform simple bread into fun shapes using cookie cutters and get the kids involved with spread selection, such as hummus, peanut butter or cream cheese.

Fill them with various ingredients, from deli meats to cucumber slices - there’s no limit to the combinations!

Fun with wraps

Fill tortillas with a mix of fillings such as leftover chicken, sliced veggies and hummus.

Each family member can customise their wrap, making lunchtime a fun, creative experience that encourages interaction and healthy choices.

Make your own breakfast

Breakfast can be a delightful start to the day when kids are given the chance to create their own.

Set up a station with ingredients like oats, fruits and nut butters for a make-your-own breakfast bar. Not only does this save you time, but it also allows kids to experiment with flavours. 

Snack attack

Create a snack platter using inexpensive ingredients such as carrots, cucumber, cheese and wholegrain crackers.

This not only makes a healthy snack but also serves as a fun sharing activity that encourages kids to try new foods in a social setting.

Creative pasta dishes

Pasta is incredibly affordable and versatile. Cook up a batch, and let kids create their own sauces with canned tomatoes, garlic and a sprinkle of herbs. Adding in seasonal veggies can elevate the dish while keeping it cost-effective. 

Meals during the school holidays can also serve as a learning experience. Encourage your kids to help with grocery shopping by making a list of items and budgeting for their meals.

Discussing prices, comparing brands and making healthy choices can foster essential life skills while showing them the importance of financial responsibility. 

Here’s a sandwich recipe that you can try

Grilled yoghurt sandwiches

Serves: 4

Ingredients 

1 cup finely chopped green cabbage

¾ cup grated carrot (about 1 medium carrot)

½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper

1 small green chilli pepper (Thai, serrano, or jalapeño), stemmed, seeded and finely chopped

¼ cup lightly packed fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped

¾ cup plain Greek-style yoghurt

½ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste

¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

8 slices of white sandwich bread

4 tsp butter (salted)

1 tsp black mustard seeds

Tomato sauce or Indian chilli sauce, for serving (optional)

Method 

In a large bowl, toss together the cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, chilli, and coriander. Stir in the yoghurt, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined. Taste and season with more salt, if needed.

Place four slices of bread on your work surface and divide the yoghurt mixture evenly among them. Top the sandwiches with the remaining slices of bread.

Heat a medium frying pan or griddle over medium heat until hot. Add 1 teaspoon butter and ½ teaspoon mustard seeds.

Let them sizzle for a few seconds, then place two sandwiches in the pan (on the mustard seeds) and cook until golden and crispy on the bottom, 1 to 2 minutes.

Turn them over, add another 1 teaspoon of butter, and cook until golden on that side, 1 to 2 minutes.

Transfer the sandwiches (and any stray mustard seeds) to a plate and repeat with the remaining sandwiches. Serve them whole or cut into triangles, with tomato sauce or chilli sauce, if desired.

Recipe by YouTuber and recipe developer Chetna Makan.