This article presents a collection of innovative, kid-friendly recipes that transform classic Indian dishes into fiber-rich powerhouses. By creatively integrating vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, these recipes boost the nutritional content and make mealtime more enjoyable for children.
Veggie Pancakes
Ingredients:
• 1 cup whole multigrain flour
• 1/2 cup grated carrots
• 1/2 cup grated cucumber
• 1/4 cup finely chopped spinach
• 1/2 cup milk or water
• Salt and a pinch of cumin powder
Method:
1. Mix all the ingredients to form a smooth batter.
2. Heat a non-stick pan and pour small amounts of batter to form mini pancakes.
3. Cook on both sides until golden brown.
4. Serve with a mild yoghurt dip
Colourful Vegetable Idlis
Ingredients:
• 1 cup rice
• 1/2 cup urad dal
• 1/4 cup pureed carrots (for orange colour)
• 1/4 cup pureed spinach (for green colour)
• Salt to taste
Method:
1. Soak rice and urad dal separately for 4 hours.
2. Grind them into a smooth batter and let it ferment overnight.
3. Divide the batter into three parts, mix in carrot puree and spinach puree separately into two parts, and leave one plain.
4. Steam the batters in idli moulds to make colourful idlis.
5. Serve with coconut chutney and sambhar
Veggie Stuffed Mini Parathas
Ingredients:
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup ragi flour
• 1/4 cup grated carrots
• 1/4 cup finely chopped broccoli
• 1/4 cup grated beetroot
• Salt and mild spices
Method:
1. Mix flour with water to make a dough.
2. Prepare stuffing by sautéing vegetables with some salt and mild spices.
3. Roll out small dough balls, place stuffing inside, and seal.
4. Roll out again and cook on a grill with minimal oil.
5. Serve with a mild raita or yoghurt.