Sliced and diced

Veggie prep can get a bit stock standard during a busy work week and inspiration can run a little dry by Thursday night.

We have curated a collection of nifty kitchen gadgets that will make veggies more fun for children, or help create a healthy alternative to your usual carb picks, while also steering clear of the steamed-three-vege model that some of us grew up with.

Slice:
Mandolines are fantastic contraptions, but come with a safety warning – they are sharp! Take your time with this handy utensil which turns most vegetables into uniform slices, perfect for moussaka with eggplant layers, creamy potato bake, or home-made kumara crisps.

Spiralise:
Plenty of options are on the market today including easy hand-held spiralisers such as the compact Oxo good grips (pictured) that turns your veggies into a great pasta alternative. If Spaghetti Bolognese is a favourite, why not try zoodles – zucchini noodles – as a lighter option?

Rice:
A good grater is a must-have for every kitchen. It’s perfect for transforming cauliflower or broccoli into ‘rice’ to use with stir fry. Add a couple of eggs, flour of your choice and seasoning to make a pizza base to suit any dietary requirements.