Mexican feast for fussy families

If you have children (or adults) who are reluctant to try new foods and eat their vegetable serving meals family style is a great way to introduce new foods, have a fun family meal, start a discussion around meals and get everyone excite about trying new, healthy, foods.

I serve this Mexican feast in lots of separate bowls. This allow everyone to choose their own meal and make their own tacos, nachos, burritos or whatever you choose. Giving children choices around food is empowering and promotes confidence.

Get the kids involved in preparing the ingredients too. These ideas are limitless, but to get your started try a mixture of these:

• Black beans – just rinse the tinned beans and stir through lime juice, salt, coriander, extra virgin olive oil

• Corn – add frozen corn to a serving bowl, it will defrost in about 15 minutes

• Brown rice

• Grated cheese

• Sour cream or plain yoghurt

• Grated carrot

• Shredded lettuce

• Shredded purple cabbage

• Chopped cucumber

• Home-made salsa – chop up tomatoes, remove the liquid, add a little salt, olive oil and lime juice.

• Guacamole – smash ripe avocadoes and mix with a little salt, lime juice and coriander

• Sauté mince of your choice with a little garlic, paprika and salt or a Mexican spice mix for the more adventurous

• Chopped fresh corriander

Serve with corn chips, tacos or corn tortillas – everyone helps themselves. Try and make your plate as colourful as possible.

Left overs make great lunches the next day.