Cook a Vegan Meal

What can we use if we don't have a colander, a dry measuring cup for the pasta, or a frying pan?

Use a slotted spoon or hold the pot lid slightly ajar to drain pasta instead of a colander, estimate one cup of dry pasta as a handful or use any kitchen cup for measuring, and substitute a deep saucepan for the frying pan when adding one tablespoon of cooking oil and sauteing the vegetables.

What should we do if the vegetables start to burn or the pasta sticks together?

If vegetables brown too quickly, ask the adult to lower the stove from medium, add a splash of water or a little more oil and stir more often while stirring the pasta occasionally and ensuring the adult brings the pot to a full boil and follows the package time to prevent sticking.

How can we adapt the steps for different ages so it's safe and fun?

For ages 3–5 let them wash hands, rinse vegetables, and toss measured pasta into the pot with close supervision; ages 6–8 can use a plastic or kid-safe knife to cut soft veggies on the cutting board and measure one cup; and ages 9+ can cut under adult watch and help add oil and stir the pan while the adult handles the stove and draining in the colander.

How can we improve or personalize the meal after following the basic recipe and sharing it on DIY.org?

Customize the pan mixture by stirring in canned beans or sautéed tofu for protein, chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for flavor, or create a signature spice mix and then photograph or write about your final plated pasta before uploading to DIY.org.