Mixed foods are notoriously tricky for lots of children. When foods are mixed together, especially when covered in sauce, it is hard for them to be able to identify the foods they know and feel comfortable around. Plus, those new foods or the ones they are learning to like, which they don’t yet think are safe to eat are touching the familiar foods, ‘contaminating’ them. There’s no way they want to eat anything now! 

So, how do I enjoy mixed foods like this roasted vegetable pasta whilst ensuring my children will eat? With this dish, I need to prepare the component parts of the meal before mixing them together and baking it, so I simply hold back a quantity of the ingredients to serve separately. If necessary, I’ll put some accepted vegetables and/or fruits on the table too. This way I ensure there’s something they can eat whilst they get used to the mixed food. The complete dish is also there for them to explore and try if they’re ready to.