Looking for budget meals in SA that are quick, tasty, and get the kids involved? This simple pilchard fish cakes recipe is a staple in our home. It's a fantastic way to begin cooking with kids and create fun memories during your homeschooling day.
Finding easy family meals in SA that fit the budget and engage children can be a win for busy homeschooling parents. This pilchard fish cakes recipe ticks all the boxes! Using affordable canned pilchards, it’s a protein-packed meal that’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for involving little helpers in the kitchen. Cooking with kids is not just about the food; it’s a valuable bonding opportunity. Even the government knows this.
Getting Started: What You’ll Need
This simple recipe uses basic pantry staples.
Ingredients:
- 1 x 400g can pilchards in tomato sauce
- 2 slices Brown Bread, crumbed
- 1 Egg, beaten
- 1 large Onion, finely chopped (adult help recommended)
- 1 handful Parsley, chopped
- 2 Carrots, finely grated
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Equipment:
- Medium-sized mixing bowl
- Fork
- Grater (adult supervision)
- Spatula
- Frying pan
- Paper towel
Let’s Cook Together: Simple Steps
Here’s how kids can help make this yummy dish:
- Prep Pilchards: Drain the pilchards, keeping a little sauce. Mash gently with a fork in the mixing bowl. Kid Task: Mashing the pilchards (ensure no bones).
- Combine Ingredients: Add breadcrumbs, beaten egg, chopped onion, parsley, and grated carrots to the bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Kid Task: Adding pre-measured/prepped ingredients, stirring everything together gently.
- Form Patties: Mix everything well. Help children form the mixture into small, round, flat patties. Kid Task: Rolling and flattening the patties (hands might get messy – part of the fun!).
- Fry: Heat a little oil in the frying pan over medium heat. Carefully place patties in the pan (adult task). Fry for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain & Serve: Remove fish cakes with a spatula and drain excess oil on a paper towel. Serve warm with mashed potatoes and a green salad. Enjoy your homemade Pilchard fish cakes recipe!
Learning Through Cooking
This simple recipe reinforces skills useful in your children, from following instructions to basic measurements. It’s a practical way to learn, fitting perfectly with the hands-on approach described in the South African home education regulations. Plus, you get to create tasty budget meals the whole family helped create!
What are your favourite budget meals?
Do you have a go-to pilchard fish cakes recipe? Share your favourite easy family meals for SA or tips for cooking with kids in the comments below!
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