7 Easy 'Pam Pamilya' Baon Recipes With a Healthier Twist

Ditch the store-bought, ready-to-eat ulam and snacks, and try cooking these dishes instead. They're easy to whip up so they won't give you much trouble in the morning, either.

1. Tuna Lumpiang Shanghai Recipe


IMAGE Erwin Obcemea/Yummy.ph
Lumpia is easily one of the most kid-friendly Pinoy ulams -- and it's clever way to sneak in something healthy for the kids and the parents. Swap the pork filling with tuna and a creamy dip. This recipe also has carrots, cabbage and potatoes so you get a bit of veggies in there too. (FYI, for children 2 years old and above, one to two fish servings a week is recommended with portions roughly the size of your child’s palm, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.)

Makes 20 pieces

1 cup potatoes, grated, in water
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 cup carrot, grated
1 cup cabbage, shredded
2 cans canned tuna in water, drained
20 pieces lumpia wrapper
salt
oil, for sauteing

Recipe instructions are at Yummy.ph.

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2. Baked Chicken Nuggets with Mango Barbecue Sauce


IMAGE Yummy.ph
We always vote for the homemade version of this kiddie favorite (always more delicious because it is made with love!). Here's a recipe that's easy to do at home. These are also baked! If you don’t have an oven, Yummy.ph has this Cheesy Chicken Nuggets recipe. 

Makes 6 nuggets

800 grams chicken, (use skinless chicken breast), cut into 1 1/2-inch squares
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon calamansi juice
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons chicken, use fillet
3 egg
3 tablespoons water

For the dipping sauce
1 ripe mango
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
hot sauce, to taste
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Recipe instructions are at Yummy.ph.

3. Vegetable Tempura


IMAGE Toto Labrador/Yummy.ph
In every meal, the FNRI recommends kids eat just as much vegetables as rice. A crunchy tempura recipe makes eating greens tasty and fun. This one makes use of sweet potatoes, carrots, onions and green beans. Recipe for dipping sauce is included too. Utensils are optional. 

Makes 4 servings

1/2 cup sweet potato (kamote), peeled and julienned
1/2 cup carrot, peeled and julienned
1/2 cup white onion, peeled and thinly sliced
1/3 cup long beans (sitaw), thinly sliced
1 to 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, enough to lightly coat vegetables
salt, to taste
vegetable oil, for frying
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup water, ice-cold
1/2 cup japanese soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 small white radish (labanos), grated

Recipe instructions are at Yummy.ph. 

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4. Scrambled Egg Sandwich


IMAGE Miguel Nacianceno/Yummy.ph
This easy-to-make sandwich recipe covers three basic food groups (grow, go and glow), and is packed with muscle-building protein. Go for whole wheat bread instead of white, and you've got an even better meal. “[Whole grains] contain more fiber and nutrients,” says the FNRI. Bonus: you only need 5 ingredients to make this kid-friendly sandwich. 

Makes 2 sandwiches

4 leaves lettuce
4 slices white bread, toasted
5 tablespoons tuna pesto spread
3 egg, scrambled
4 slices cheddar cheese

Recipe instructions are at Yummy.ph. 


5. Beef Kaldereta



For the grown-ups, a stew is a great way to mix in vegetables with meat. Aside from beef short ribs, this beef kalderetarecipe has carrots, bell pepper and potatoes. Chop these into bite-sized portions to make it easier for kids to eat. 

1-2 tbsp oil
1 small onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, crushed
1 bay leaf
1/2 kilogram beef short ribs
5 cups water
1 200-gram pack tomato sauce
1-2 tbsp liver spread
1 carrot, chopped
2 potatoes, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
salt and pepper
1/4 cup cheese, grated

Recipe instructions are at Yummy.ph.

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6. Fruity Skewers



All you need for these fruit kebabs are shape cutters and skewers. Place them in a container and you're good to go. You can even prep the fruits beforehand and just grab-and-pack in the morning. 

Recipe instructions and tips are at Yummy.ph.


7. Pinwheel Bites


IMAGE Yummy.ph
With a little magic, you could add a fun twist (or should we say roll?) to your kiddo's regular ham and cheese sandwich. Pick good quality cheese too. Dairy products are rich in both protein and calcium. Calcium builds strong bones and teeth. Don't forget to use whole wheat bread which packs a lot more fiber than white bread. Pack a box of milk to pair this with!

1 slice whole-wheat bread
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 slice ham
1 slice cheese

Recipe instructions are at Yummy.ph. 

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