Dinner Sorted: Five fun meals for fussy eaters (and the rest of the family)

Family meals should be nutritious, of course, and tasty and, particularly in times like these, budget-conscious. Something else I think they should be, but something it’s easy to forget, is fun.

As a parent to two little kids, both of whom have had their share of food fussiness, I know it’s easier to get them to eat that nutritious meal when it’s a little bit playful. That’s why I bring you – and there’s no other way of saying this, really – a week full of balls.

I firmly believe everyone should have a solid meat and vege ball recipe under their belt. They’re so versatile – you can put them on the classic spaghetti, of course, or serve with any kind of starch or in a sandwich or just alone as a finger food snack after school.

Both of those feature in this week’s recipes, as well as a simpler version of a takeaway classic, a rich, retro-styled chicken-and-cheese combo, and a surprising sandwich for an easy, protein-packed dinner.

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Mushroom-walnut ‘meatballs’

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Many egg-free, meat-free balls fall apart as they cook. These don’t.

Sweet and sour pork recipe

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Minced pork makes for a cheaper version of this takeaway favourite.

Egg & Chive Sandwich Balls

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Save the crusts from this fun dinner for the next two recipes.

Chicken and cheese balls with roast kūmara chunks

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Try these moreish savoury balls paired with roasted kūmara, or any other vegetable or side you like.

Meatball, silverbeet and mozzarella bake

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A cheesy alternative to the classic pasta dish.