Growing up, many of us were greeted at the dinner table with a variety of dishes our parents were determined to have us try. From cleverly disguised veggies to protein-packed mains, they employed every trick in the book to ensure we got a balanced meal. This collection revisits 19 recipes that were staples of our childhood, reflecting on the lengths our parents went to keep our plates diverse and our meals nutritious.
Grilled Rockfish Tacos
Grilled Rockfish Tacos might have been a clever ploy by your parents to get you to eat fish, taking about 30 minutes to make. The main ingredients, rockfish and a blend of spices, yield a savory and slightly spicy flavor that’s kid-friendly. Encased in a tortilla and garnished with salsa, they transform a simple fish into a fun and interactive meal. The tacos offer a taste of the ocean with a playful twist, making them more appealing to the younger palate.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Rockfish Tacos
Chicken Shawarma Plate
Your parents knew Chicken Shawarma Plate was a way to broaden your culinary horizons, with its hour-long prep time. The chicken’s seasoning introduces a world of flavors, while the garlic sauce adds a creamy texture. Paired with rice or flatbread, it’s a dish designed to entice even the pickiest eater with its variety of tastes. The exotic spices and tender chicken combine to create a dish that’s both comforting and adventurous.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma Plate
Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries
Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries might have been a Sunday dinner staple, ready in under an hour. Parents often pair the savory pork with sweet applesauce to make the meat more enticing to children, and the blackberries add an unexpected twist. The combination of flavors is designed to please and surprise, making the meal a memorable one. It’s a dish that cleverly balances familiar and new tastes to win over any child.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries
Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy
Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy was likely a dish your parents used to persuade you to eat your veggies, and it takes about an hour to prepare. Encased in a buttery crust, the chicken and vegetables are smothered in a creamy, herb-infused gravy. The tarragon adds a unique flavor that elevates the traditional pot pie, making it a sophisticated yet kid-friendly option. It’s a cozy meal that’s both nourishing and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy
Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Roasted Cabbage Steaks may have been your parents’ attempt to introduce you to more vegetables, requiring about 40 minutes in the oven. They’re often enhanced with bacon bits to add a familiar, smoky taste that appeals to children. The cabbage itself becomes sweet and tender when roasted, making it more palatable. It’s a straightforward dish that packs both flavor and nutrition.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Bangers & Mash with Guinness Gravy | No Onions
Bangers & Mash with Guinness Gravy could have been a way for your parents to serve a hearty meal in about 30 minutes. The sausages and mashed potatoes might have been a no-fuss favorite, with the Guinness gravy adding a rich flavor they hoped you’d love. This dish is all about comfort, combining familiar textures with a gravy that’s robust in taste. It’s the kind of meal that’s both filling and reminiscent of a cozy night in, designed to satisfy the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Bangers & Mash with Guinness Gravy | No Onions
Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus
Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus might have been your parents’ strategy to get you to enjoy fish and greens, ready in just 25 minutes. The bright flavors of lemon and dill were likely chosen to mask the fishiness that often turns kids away. Asparagus, with its mild flavor and crunchy texture, complements the salmon perfectly. Together, they create a light, healthful meal that’s subtly flavored to appeal to a younger palate.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus
Panko Crusted Rockfish
Panko Crusted Rockfish was possibly a dish your parents used to make seafood more appealing, taking about 30 minutes to cook. The crunchy panko crust is something they knew kids couldn’t resist, turning the mild rockfish into a dinnertime hit. This recipe is a clever twist on traditional fried fish, offering a crispy texture without being too heavy. It’s a smart way to introduce fish in a familiar, crunchy package.
Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Rockfish
Roast Rack of Lamb
Roast Rack of Lamb may have been a special occasion meal your parents prepared, requiring about an hour of cooking time. They likely chose this dish for its tender meat and elegant presentation, hoping to cultivate your taste for finer foods. The main flavors come from garlic and fennel, creating a sophisticated taste profile. It’s a dish meant to impress and perhaps make you feel more grown-up as you enjoyed it.
Get the Recipe: Roast Rack of Lamb
Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet
Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet could have been your parents’ weeknight go-to, ready in about 30 minutes. The creamy sauce flavored with balsamic vinegar was intended to make the chicken irresistible. This skillet meal combines ease with a touch of gourmet flair, hoping to please both parents and kids alike. The dish balances tangy and savory, aiming to be a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet
Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Croissant Breakfast Casserole was likely a weekend treat your parents made, taking about 45 minutes to bake. They knew that anything involving buttery croissants would be an easy sell. This casserole combines eggs, cheese, and meat in a way that’s familiar yet indulgent, aiming to make mornings more exciting. It’s a dish that cleverly conceals the morning routine in a blanket of flaky pastry and melty cheese.
Get the Recipe: Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Lamb Shepherd’s Pie
Lamb Shepherd’s Pie might have been your parents’ way of sneaking in a serving of lamb, taking about an hour to prepare. With its comforting layers of mashed potatoes and savory lamb filling, it was a dish meant to warm you from the inside out. The flavors are rich and hearty, designed to satisfy even the most reluctant young eater. It’s a classic comfort dish that brings a sense of home with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Shepherd’s Pie
Shrimp Asparagus Risotto
Shrimp Asparagus Risotto was probably a dish your parents made for a fancy dinner at home, requiring about 40 minutes of attention. They might have hoped the creamy rice and succulent shrimp would win you over. The asparagus adds a fresh crunch, balancing out the richness of the risotto. This meal is a sophisticated way to introduce seafood and vegetables to the family table.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Asparagus Risotto
Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy
Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy could have been a dish your parents relied on to add variety to the dinner rotation, ready in about 30 minutes. The mustard and shallot gravy adds a tangy kick to the pork chops, aiming to make them more appealing. This dish combines simplicity with a burst of flavor, hoping to turn a simple cut of meat into something special. It’s a meal that’s both easy to make and full of taste, perfect for a family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy
Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes
Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes may have been your parents’ one-pan wonder, taking about an hour in the oven. They used the allure of roasted garlic and herbs to entice you into enjoying this comforting meal. The pork becomes tender and infused with flavor, while the potatoes roast to perfection. It’s a fuss-free dish that delivers on both convenience and taste.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes
Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf
Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf was likely your parents’ way of bringing the steakhouse experience home, requiring about 20 minutes on the grill. They paired a juicy pork chop with seafood to create a meal that felt both fancy and fun. The combination of land and sea on your plate was designed to pique your curiosity and perhaps make you more open to trying new foods. It’s a playful take on a classic concept that aims to delight the family’s palate.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf
Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon
Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon could have been your parents’ attempt to introduce you to international flavors, taking about 20 minutes to cook. The warm, aromatic spices of garam masala offer a different twist on the usual salmon dish. Cooking on a cedar plank infuses the fish with a smoky flavor that might have made it more appealing to you as a child. It’s a dish that combines simplicity with a touch of exotic flair, perfect for a family dinner adventure.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon
California Steak Salad
California Steak Salad might have been a clever creation by your parents to get you to eat your greens, ready in about 30 minutes. They topped fresh salad greens with juicy steak, knowing that a bit of protein might entice you more than vegetables alone. The vibrant colors and varied textures were meant to make the salad more interesting and satisfying. It’s a fresh, wholesome meal that cleverly disguises a salad as something more indulgent.
Get the Recipe: California Steak Salad
Brown Butter Scallop Pasta
Brown Butter Scallop Pasta was possibly a dish your parents used to make seafood more enticing, taking around 30 minutes to prepare. The nutty flavor of brown butter and the tender scallops create a luxurious combination. They likely hoped the creamy pasta would make the scallops a welcome addition to your palate. This dish aims to blend comfort with a touch of elegance, offering a sophisticated yet accessible meal.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Scallop Pasta