Yesterday, Year 3 had a Design and Technology day with a focus on Cooking and Nutrition. In Science we have been learning all about animal nutrition, but yesterday we looked more closely at nutrition for humans using the Eatwell Guide (see picture below). The children started off by sorting different foods into the five food groups: carbohydrates, fruit and vegetables, proteins, dairy and alternatives and oils and spreads. They then had to design their own healthy balanced meal using the Eatwell guide to help them.

Next, we looked at cooking appliances and how they are used for cooking different types of food. We then followed a recipe to make our very own ratatouille with courgettes, tomatoes, onions and peppers using a frying pan and then a slow cooker. It smelt delicious and I was so impressed with the children’s vegetable chopping skills.

Finally it was time for the taste test! The majority of children really enjoyed it and are eager for me to share the recipe with you to try at home. I have attached the recipe below 🙂

Well done Year 3 –  I hope this has inspired you to help out with the cooking at home over Christmas! 😀

Ratatouille Recipe

Caution: Check for allergies
30 minutes preparation + 5 hours cooking
6 people

Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1 red onion, sliced
2 garlic cloves
2 aubergines, cut into 1.5cm chunks
3 courgettes, halved and cut into 2cm chunks
3 mixed peppers, cut into 2cm chunks
1 tbsp tomato puree
6 tomatoes, chopped
basil, chopped
thyme sprigs
400g can plum tomatoes
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp salt

Method
1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry the onion for eight minutes, until soft.
2. Crush the garlic cloves into the onion using a garlic press, and fry for one minute.
3. Increase the heat and add the aubergines. Fry for five minutes.
4. Stir in the courgettes and peppers and fry for a further five minutes.
5. Add the tomato puree, fresh tomatoes, basil, thyme, canned tomatoes, vinegar,
sugar and salt. Bring to the boil.
6. Transfer the mixture into a slow cooker and cook on a low heat setting for five hours.