Introducing shellfish to toddlers can be a great way to introduce them to different types of foods, textures, and flavors. It is important to start slowly, taking special care to ensure the shellfish is age-appropriate and cooked properly for young eaters.

When first introducing a toddler to shellfish, choose a milder-tasting option, such as a steamed shrimp or scallop. The texture of shellfish can be quite different from other foods, so it is important to take the time to familiarize a toddler with the texture and flavor of the food. It can be helpful to cut the shellfish into small bites and add some butter or sauce to give the toddler a flavor they’re naturally drawn to. When it comes to seasoning shellfish, it is important to stick to flavors they are familiar with — like lemon and garlic — as too much spice or unfamiliar flavors could turn them off.

For toddlers who don’t like shellfish, offer another seafood dish like baked fish or crab cakes. You can also offer alternative types of shellfish, like mussels or clams. Eventually they may come around and give the shellfish a chance and discover the deliciousness of a good-quality shellfish dish.

Once a toddler is used to the texture and flavor of a shellfish, you can start introducing other types to add variety to their diet. Exploring different countries’ cuisines and flavors helps them understand how flavors from different cultures can work together in a meal.

When introducing shellfish to a toddler, it is important to remember that each toddlers’ tastes and preferences are unique and it may take some time for them to become comfortable with the new food. Be patient and enjoy the journey as you work together to try new foods!

General Information:

• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Proteins: 17g
• Fats: 20g
• Calories: 246
• Servings: 4
• Cooking time: 20 minutes

A delicious yet toddler friendly seafood recipe!

Ingredients

• 400grams (14oz) raw Shrimps
• 2 cloves Garliccut into thin slices
• 2 Lemonscut into thin slices
• 4 tablespoons (30ml) Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Black pepper (optional, for added taste)

Preparation

1. Start by peeling the shrimps then de-vein them if necessary.

2. Slice the garlic cloves into thin pieces and cut the lemon into thin slices without seeds.

3. In a large bowl mix together the shrimps slices of garlic, lemon slices and black pepper, if using.

4. Heat up the extra-virgin olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.

5. Add the shrimp and lemon-garlic mixture to the pan and cook until everything is heated through, around 10/15 minutes.

6. (Optional) Joke of the day! - What did the beach say when the tide came in? Nothing, it just waved!

Servings

Serve the shrimp with the lemon-garlic olive oil over white rice or couscous. Enjoy!

Makes 4 servings