About

Overview

Making Mini Cabbage Tacos is a hands-on cooking activity that works well at tables in small groups. These mini tacos use cabbage leaves as the "shells" and are filled with a tasty mix of corn, beans, and fresh vegetables. This recipe introduces children to healthy ingredients in an exciting way, with options to personalize flavors and create a unique, cultural twist.

Learning Objectives

  1. Children will explore the taste and texture of mini cabbage tacos-and their cultural significance in New Mexico’s Hispanic and Native American food traditions.
  2. Children will develop basic food preparation and fine motor skills through mixing, scooping, and assembling.

Teaching Objectives

  1. Teachers will model healthy eating behaviorby participating alongside the children.
  2. Teachers will guide children in safe food handling and preparation practices.

Teaching Tips

  • Remember that the more times children are exposed to a new food, the more likely they are to develop a taste preference for that food.
  • Children are more likely to try a new food if an adult models the behavior!

Prep Info

knife and cutting board

Equipment Required

materials

Materials/Supplies

* Optional

handwashing illustration

Before the Lesson

  • Prepare the cabbage by washing and separating the small leaves.
  • Drain and rinse canned beans & corn thoroughly. Be sure to dispose of the sharp lid safely.
  • Ensure all cooking tools, such as mixing bowls and spoons, are ready for use.
  • Immediately before the lesson, ask the children to put on their chef aprons, chef hats, and wash their hands.

Activity

Introduction

“But first, what is something great chefs always do before they start cooking?” (Answer: Wash their hands!)

Activity Description

  1. Prepare the Ingredients:
    • Invite the children to help combine the corn, chopped tomatoes, black beans, and lime juice in a mixing bowl. Encourage them to explore flavor by choosing additional seasonings such as cilantro, green onions, a dash of cumin, garlic powder, or a tiny sprinkle of mild chili powder. Let them mix the ingredients to create their unique filling.
  2. Choose Your Dressing:
    • Provide each child with a small cabbage leaf to use as their “taco shell.” Assist them in spooning their filling into the leaf to create a personalized mini taco.
  3. Serve, Taste, & Discuss:
    • Once their tacos are assembled, invite them to observe, smell, and feel the food. Let the mdecide whether to taste it and share their thoughts or personal connections.
    • Encourage children to think about toppings or spices they enjoy at home. Do they or their families add oregano, cheese, or chopped bell peppers to their meals? Let them share and, if available, try adding those ingredients to their tacos. Celebrating personal and family food traditions helps make the activity more meaningful and introduces children to avariety of cultural tastes.

Summary

Enrichment

Ask the children, “What other foods can we add to our tacos? Could we add bell peppers, shredded cheese, or salsa?

Attention Teachers!

Following this activity, please fill out the teacher’s weekly log form for this lesson.

Evaluation

Attention Teachers!

Following this activity, please fill out the teacher’s evaluation form for this lesson.