Pasta + dips – recipes for fussy eaters

Many picky eaters are okay with pasta. But there are often pretty strong preferences within that!

Firstly, and especially with picky eaters, I am always looking for the best way to maximise nutrients even from a limited diet. I generally use wholemeal spelt pasta as it’s lovely and soft and cooks to a fairly light colour (definitely an advance on many of the whole meal pasta’s that are like eating chewy rubber!). I have road-tested this on many super selective eaters and always had it accepted.

Remember though, approach is everything and I have the experience to make sure that is in place!

Secondly, if we do have a pasta eater but they are wanting only one kind, my first advice is to introduce new shapes. This can take time but is valuable on many levels.

Thirdly, if plain only is accepted then adding something new is our first goal. If we have a super selective eater it may be the tiniest step. Some sprinkled salt for example.

Dipping is generally easier than slathering!!

Here we have:

1. Honey – favourite spreads are always worth a whirl

2. Tomato-based sauce. If ketchup is a winner then why not?

3. Peanut butter – you can soften

4. Sour cream or yoghurt or hummus

5. Melted butter

A cocktail stick for dipping – way more fun than a fork. If you have a little one, then you can get plastic dipper-style sticks for safety.

Judith is an AOTA accredited picky eating advisor and internationally certified nutritional therapist. She works with 100+ families every year resolving fussy eating and returning pleasure and joy to the meal table.