Planning dinner for the kids is always challenging. When parents prepare dinner for their children, Thai curry might not be one of the options that comes to mind due to its reputation for spiciness. We may not associate curry with kids, but a mild or non-spicy curry can be a great way to introduce new flavours to children!
There are a few curries that could be cooked for beginners, including kids, such as Masaman curry, Yellow (Karee) curry, and Red curry (Yes, Red curry!). With a little adjustment, having Thai curry for dinner can provide a new experience for the taste buds, as well as spark conversation about this new dish among family members.
Masaman Curry: This is the mildest curry in the Thai curry category. With this curry, parents can be sure that all the necessary FIVE components are included in one dish: Carbs, Protein, Vitamins, Minerals, and Good Fats from potatoes, onions, peanuts, and coconut milk, plus any preferred meat or even tofu. There are no strict rules regarding ingredients—you can use sweet potatoes or pumpkins instead of, or in combination with, potatoes. Peanuts can also be substituted with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
Yellow (Karee) Curry: This is quite similar to Masaman curry but with a stronger aroma of spices, making it a great choice for families who enjoy the fragrance of spices. Traditionally, Thai Karee curry includes cherry tomatoes, which add a refreshing taste to the curry. However, because this curry contains a variety of spices, it includes wheat-gluten. Therefore, if your child is allergic to gluten but still needs some spice, the Masaman curry would be a better option.
Red Curry: As a Thai child, my favourite curry was Red Curry with fish dumplings served on Thai fresh rice noodles (Kanom Jeen). By adding more coconut milk, which decreases the spiciness, the curry becomes sweeter, offering a smoother taste. For children who can handle a little spiciness, this curry could be a milestone in their spiciness challenge.
Recommended sides to serve with curry:
- Rice: If you can present brown rice, it will provide more vitamins and fibre.
- Naan: For fun dipping.
- Nuts: Serve a variety of nuts to add to the curry according to their preferences.
- Veggies: Prepare some veggies, such as cucumber and carrot sticks, just in case they prefer to dip them.
Top Tips:
- Involve the children in the cooking process, helping to measure ingredients, pour coconut milk, cut potatoes, and sprinkle peanuts. This will make them more interested in trying the dish.
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