Some studies suggest that these oils can bring improvements in children's behaviour and learning, as well as benefiting their general growth and development, in particular of the heart and brain.
Using tinned mackerel, instead of fresh, is obviously more convenient for nurseries but, importantly, there is minimal (if any) nutritional difference between the two.
The mackerel recipe below provides a superbly nutritious helping of oily fish to the children, in a hidden form. We use it regularly at Tall Trees to feed children ranging from the babies to four-year-olds.
The dish is very popular, and it gives us great satisfaction to watch the children wolfing down mackerel - something they probably wouldn't do if they could see the fish. We also get great feedback from parents who are delighted that their children are eating oily fish.
The pasta we serve with this dish is organic whole-wheat conchiglie from our ethical supplier Essential Trading. These are very small shells, which are the most popular form of pasta for all ages in the nursery.
MACKEREL IN A FIVE-VEG SAUCE WITH WHOLE WHEAT PASTA
Serves 40-50 children - a mix of babies to pre-school age
Ingredients
1kg sweet potatoes
1kg carrots
1kg parsnip
1kg swede
1 white cabbage
2.5kg organic Italian chopped tomatoes
690g organic passata
4 x 125g tins of mackerel in oil
2 tbsp Knorr bouillon
Organic whole-wheat pasta shells (conchiglie)
Method
- Peel and finely chop potato, carrot, parsnip and swede, then shred the cabbage.
- Put these into a large saucepan with 3 pints of water and the bouillon.
- Bring to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3/4 hour or until the vegetables are soft.
- Add the tomatoes and passata. Stir, and when mixed well blend until smooth.
- Take the fish out of the cans and remove any larger bones - the very fine ones should be soft enough to mash.
- Mash the fish well with a fork, then add to the sauce, stirring in well with all of the oil from the tins.
- Cook the pasta and serve with the mackerel sauce.
For more information visit: www.essential-trading.co.uk
- Emma Comer is owner-manager and Meg Smith is cook at Tall Trees Kindergarten, Frome, Somerset
Visit www.talltrees kindergarten.co.uk
