Paneer

Ingredients: 100 gms grated paneer; 100 gms boiled French beans and carrots; one cup chopped coriander; one chopped onion; one tsp jeera; juice of one lemon; half tsp red pepperika (red shimla mirch); one tsp extra virgin oil; 100 gms whole wheat flour Method: Make four rotis from the whole wheat atta. Grate the paneer and add all the ingredients to it besides oil. Saut it in oil and place it on the roti and roll it. Have it with green chutney. The dough can be prepared the day before. All the ingredients can be chopped the day before. For the chutney: (Preparation time: 10 mins) You can either prepare the chutney with coconut, coriander, peanuts, green chilies, spices, and lime or you can also add onion and tomato in the same, and it would taste all the more good. Grind all the ingredients in a blender and add some water to make the right consistency. But as coconut is high in saturated fats i.e. bad fats, you can replace it with chana dal or udad dal that are nutritious and healthy. You must know: As this delicacy contains wheat, paneer and vegetables, it promotes growth and energy. 2. Moong dal chilla (Preparation time: 15 mins) Ingredients: 1 cup moong dal (split, skinless green gram), 2-3 green chillies, 2-3 spring onions, 2 cloves of garlic finely chopped, 1 small piece of ginger finely chopped or paste, tsp of hing (asafoetida), salt to taste. Method: Wash the moong dal and soak for at least 2 hours longer if you have the time. Drain the water and grind along with rest of the ingredients. Use water as required idea is to get a pancake type consistency Heat a non-stick pan and spread just a little oil over it. Keeping the gas on low flame, pour a tablespoon of batter in the centre and then spread the batter outwards in a circular motion into a thin circle. 6. Add just a drop of oil over the chilla and after it turns lightly brown turn it over to cook the other side. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Stuffing Mash some fresh paneer (take the quantity as per your need) and add salt, lime and chopped fresh coriander to it. (You can even add chopped cabbage and grated carrots to the mixture).

You must know: The 1st chilla takes longer to cook than rest of the chillas. Also, keep the gas on very low flame when pouring the batter it gives you a better chance to spread the batter and make the chilla thinner. Using a really good non-stick keeps the need for oil very low. One can also use different stuffings to make the chilla much more delicious. 3. Go Fruity (Preparation Time: 20 mins) Ingredients: Apples cut in cubes, Banana cut in slices, Chikoo cut in cubes, Strawberry / Kiwi, Whipped Fresh Cream (easily available in India), Lemon, Mint leaves, Chocolate sprinkles, Milk, Sugar. Method: After washing the fruits thorough Method: After washing the fruits thoroughly, cut them into cubes (and in slices for bananas). Now mix all the fruit pieces in a huge bowl and add one tablespoon of milk to the mix with a teaspoon of powdered sugar. Now in the bowl full of fruits, add whipped cream as much as you think fit for your child. To garnish, decorate the dish with a mint leaf over the cream and you are set! You must know: Don't add too many fruits as that will make it soggy. Fruits provide fibre which is a must for growing children and a preparation like this is the only fun way to make you child eat fruits! 4. Milkshakes (Preparation Time: 10 mins)

2 fruits of your choice (Either bananas, chikus or mangoes) Milk (quantity that makes up for one glass) Vanilla/Chocolate Ice cream (one family pack)

Method: Grind fruit, milk and the ice cream in a blender. Serve it frothing and chilled with four to five ice cubes! You must know: Milkshakes are an healthier option to soft drinks and other beverages which kids normally tend to consume. Fruit milkshakes provide a child with all the essential dairy nutrients and fibre content. You can treat your kiddo with this mouth-watering preparation twice a month. 5. Spinach tikki with vegetables (Preparation Time: 30 minutes) Ingredients: One bunch spinach finely chopped; half grated white radish; one grated carrot; two boiled potatoes; salt to taste; one-two tsp green chillies and ginger paste; quarter cup crushed peanuts, oil (either mustard or olive oil preferably). Method: Mix grated carrots, raddish and green chillies with boiled potatoes and finely chopped spinach and add the ginger paste to the mixture. Now, make small tikkies (pattices) from the mixture and keep aside. Add a little olive or mustard oil on a pan, and keep it on low flame. The quantity of oil should be such that it is enough for the tikkies to be roasted, until they turn reddish brown

Chutney: (Preparation Time: 10 minutes) You can either prepare the chutney with coconut, coriander, peanuts, green chilies, spices, and lime or you can also add onion and tomato in the same, and it would taste all the more good. Grind all the ingredients in a blender and add some water to make the right consistency. But as coconut is high in saturated fats i.e. bad fats, you can replace it with chana dal or udad dal that are nutritious and healthy. You must know: To save on time, potatoes can be boiled one day before and the vegetables can be cut and kept in the fridge. 6. Masala Idlis Ingredients: 6-7 idlis; one tomato finely chopped; one cup capsicum finely chopped; one onion finely chopped; one tablespoon pav bhaji masala; salt to taste; one teaspoon chili powder; handful of chopped coriander leaves; one tsp olive oil. Method: Cut each idli into four pieces. Saute all the vegetables in oil. Add the masala idli and coriander, mix well and serve hot. You must know: Batter can be made the day before or at best it can be purchased from the market wherein it is being prepared freshly on a continuous basis, especially in Indian cities. Protein Pancakes Ingredients: One teacup moong dal; 200 gms white gourd; three green chillies; three tbsp fresh low fat yogurt; a pinch of asafoetida; salt to taste; two tomatoes, chopped; two finely chopped green chillies; two to three tbsp chopped coriander; salt to taste (rock salt); one tsp extra virgin oil. Method: For the batter, soak the dal for three to four hours. Grind the soaked dal with green chillies and yogurt. Add asafoetida and salt, mix well. To proceed, heat a non- stick tawa and spread a little moong dal mixture and oil on it. Then, spread a little stuffing and smear a oil on the sides. Turn upside down and cook again for a few minutes. Repeat with the remaining mixture and stuffing. Serve hot with mint chutney or sweet chutney. Hot tip: The batter can be prepared the day before and the pancakes can be made fresh in the morning. It is a complete meal as it contains all food groups. Spinach tikki with vegetables Ingredients: One bunch spinach shredded; half grated white radish; one grated carrot; two boiled potatoes; salt to taste; one-two tsp green chilli and ginger paste; quarter cup crushed peanuts.

Method: Grate carrot, radish and boiled potatoes. Mix them with all other ingredients. Make small tikkies from that mixture. On each tikki add chopped tomatoes, both chutneys and serve. Hot tip: The potatoes can be boiled one day before and the vegetables can be cut and kept in the fridge. Potato Pizza Ingredients: 250 gms potatoes; 100 gms tomatoes; one capsicum; quarter cup boiled yellow corn; one chopped onion; two-three olives; some mushrooms.

Method: Boil and mash potatoes. Add salt to taste. Make tomato puree. Add salt to taste. Make small flat pancakes from the boiled and mashed potatoes. Decorate it with capsicum, corn, onions, olives and mushrooms, grate paneer on top. Bake in an oven at 400 degree celsius for 15 minutes. Hot Tip: Puree and potatoes can be made before hand. Masala Idli Ingredients: 6-7 idlis; one tomato finely chopped; one cup capsicum finely chopped; one onion finely chopped; one tablespoon pav bhaji masala; salt to taste; one teaspoon chili powder; handful of chopped coriander leaves; one tsp olive oil. Method: Cut each idli into four pieces. Saute all the vegetables in oil. Add the masala, idli and coriander, mix well and serve hot. Hot tip: Batter can be made the day before. Paneer wrap Ingredients:100 gms grated paneer; 100 gms boiled French beans and carrots; one cup chopped coriander; one chopped onion; one tsp jeera; juice of one lemon; half tsp red pepperika; one tsp extra virgin oil; 100 gms whole wheat flour Method: Make four rotis from the whole wheat atta. Grate the paneer and add all the ingredients to it beside oil. Saute it in oil and place it on the roti and roll it. Have it with green chutney or salsa. The dough can be prepared the day before. All the ingredients can be chopped the day before. Remember to always make food fun for children. My definition of fun is fresh, unprocessed and natural. Breakfast doesn't have to be boring anymore!! You can give the same dosa in a different form and I am sure it will be a hit and your kids are going to love this for sure.

Ingredients needed Thick and spongy - 2-3 Onion - 2 finely chopped

Tomato - 2 finely chopped Green capsicum - 1 finely chopped Oil -3 tsp Red chilli powder -1/2 tsp Garam masala powder -1/2 tsp Salt as required Method Cut dosa into small pieces. Heat oil, fry 2 onions till it turns golden brown. Then add 2 tomatoes, chilli powder, garam masala powder and salt to taste. Cook till tomatoes turns mushy. Add capsicum and fry for a few seconds. Do not cook the capsicum fully. This is the highlight of the dish. Add dosas and mix well till the dosa pieces get coated with the masala well. Serve hot.No need for side dish for this dish. More Breakfast ideas with dosa Kids love colors, so make the food as colorful as possible. Make colorful dosas or chapatis by adding fresh beetroot juice or spinach juice to the batter or dough to make pink and green dosas or chappatis. Add lot of fresh vegetables and make colorful dosa or uthappam. Make it even more interesting by presenting in the shape of animals or birds as shown below.

Carrot Dosa- Sprinkle grated carrot on the dosa and cook as usual. Beetroot Dosa -Sprinkle grated beetroot on the dosa and cook as you do for regular dosas. Mint Dosa - Sprinkle finely chopped mint on the top of the dosa, flip it over and cook to make dosa with a minty flavour. Coin Dosa- You can make small 10-15 dosa, the size of a coin and give them with sambar.You need patience for this but they will love it. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Delicious Chapati Rolls Same boring chapati and sabji!! Not any more. Serve them with these delicious chapati rolls Ingredients needed for chapati rolls Chapati - 2-3 Green chilli -1

Garlic -2 cloves Mixed vegetables Beans -6-7 Carrot -1 Cabbage - 1/3 cup Capsicum -1 Sweet corn -1/3 Oil -3 tsp Chilli powder -1/2 tsp Coriander powder -1 1/2 tsp Kitchen king masala or garam masala -1/2 tsp Method Heat oil, fry onion, garlic and green chilli for a few minutes till onions turn pink. Then add all the vegetables, salt needed, chilli powder, coriander powder, kitchen king masala and saute in high heat for a few minutes. The vegetables should be crispy. Important -Chop all the vegetables finely. Take a chapati, keep the filling in the middle and roll the chapati tightly and secure it with a strip of aluminum foil, so that it is easy for the child to hold in the middle and eat. Instead of sweet corn, you can add button mushrooms or paneer, but do not add all the 3 together.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Lunch Ideas for Kids Can rice be boring for kids if you present it like this!!!Make different fun shapes and sizes or faces with food. Use fresh vegetables to decorate the dish. Kids are sure to get attracted. Here are a few creative ideas to make your kids eat healthier food.

Instead of compelling them to eat more vegetables and greens, make one pot meals as kids love it very much. If you want them to eat greens, prepare mint pulao or methi pulao. You can prepare pulao or paratha with almost any greens.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------More Creative Ideas to make kids eat healthy food Incorporate fresh vegetables in your kids diet by adding lot of vegetables to upma or decorate food with vegetables. Make funny animals figures with food and ask them also to participate in it. They will enjoy

it to the core. Try it yourself!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A great way to incorporate fruits in their diet Use cookie cutters to cut fruit and vegetables into different shapes and serve them, rather than serving them plain.

Use fruits as toppings in their favorite dessert -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sandwich Kids love sandwiches. Use cookie cutter to cut it into different shapes and dress up sandwiches with funny and interesting faces .You can use steel cups to cut bigger circles.Find interesting sandwich recipes and presentations ideas in the link below.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Vegetable Salad Make salads/raw vegetables, a part of their diet from their younger days, otherwise they will never eat salads when they grow up. Well! Are they going to say no to these colorful salads

Before winding up, I would like to share a few more things Do you know kids learn many behavior by watching their parents. If you want them to eat healthy, then you must first eat healthy food. Yes, you have to be a role model to them. You do not have to deprive them of cakes and other bakery food, make it an occasional treat. Hope all mothers out there found this post useful. If you liked this post, do bookmark it and share it with your friends. I have given the share buttons on the side of the page.

Ingredients needed for the stuffing Potato -3 Onion - 2 ( medium sized) Green chilli -2

Ginger - 1 inch piece finely chopped Tomato -1 Turmeric powder - a pinch Oil - 1 tbsp Chillies powder - 1/4 tsp or as required Salt as required For the seasoning Mustard -1/2 tsp Urad dal - 1/2 tsp Preparation Peel the skin of potato and cut it into small pieces. Chop onion, tomatoes, ginger and chillies finely. Method Heat oil and add the ingredients for seasoning. When mustard splutters, add onions, green chillie and ginger. Saute well. Add tomatoes and saute for a few more minutes. Then add chopped potatoes, chillies powder, turmeric powder and salt. Cook covered till done. Do not forget to mix it in between to prevent it from getting burnt. Your stuffing is ready. For the sandwich Ingredients needed Sandwich bread - 2 Butter - as required Toaster or you can toast it in tawa itself Apply butter on 1 side of both the bread. Place a spoonful of stuffing on one bread and cover it with another bread with buttered side facing down. Grease the toasting surface of the toaster with butter and toast the sandwich. Your potato sandwich is ready. Repeat the process for the other breads.

I am happily sending this recipe to Priti's His cooking event Srivalli's Kids Delight and to Chaitra's Bread Mania

(Cut the brown crust into different shapes and ask your kids to decorate the sandwich. I have kept that black dot for eyes using picasa .You can use olives or grapes or raisins or just a small piece of paneer for the eyes.Kids will love this paneer sandwich) Ingredients needed for making 2 sandwiches Whole wheat brown bread - 4 Paneer -75 grams (grated or crumbled) -2-3 tsp Onion -1 finely chopped (medium size) Green chillies -2 very finely chopped (omit this if it is for kids) Finely chopped coriander leaves - few Butter as needed Bread Toaster Preparation I used homemade paneer for making this sandwich. Crumble or grade paneer. Cut the brown corners of the bread. Method In a bowl, mix paneer, finely chopped onions, green chillies, green chutney, finely chopped coriander leaves and salt together. Now the stuffing is ready. Take 2 bread slices, apply butter on 1 side for both the breads, keep a tbsp of stuffing on the buttered side of 1 bread and close it with the other bread with the buttered side facing down. Butter the outer surface of the bread slightly if required or just grease the bread toaster and toast on both sides till golden brown. Cut it diagonally and enjoy as such or with tomato ketchup. Repeat the process for the rest of the bread. This can also be had as a snack with evening tea. Enjoy!

Peas Pulav
Ingredients needed

Basmati Rice - 1 cup Peas - 1 cup (Fresh/frozen) Pudina/Mint leaves - 1 cup Finely chopped Coriander leaves - cup Finely chopped Onion - 2 medium size Green chillies - 2 Ginger-Garlic paste - 1 tsp or (Grind 2 garlic cloves and a small bit ginger) Oil -2 tbsp Ghee - tbsp Salt to taste For the seasoning Cinnamon - 1 inch piece Cloves - 2 Cardamon - 1 Method Wash and soak Basmati rice for 15 minutes. Drain and keep it aside. Heat 2 tbsp of oil and tbsp of ghee together, add the ingredients for seasoning. Add finely chopped onions and saut till it turns transparent, add ginger- garlic paste and fry for a few more minutes. Add slit green chillies, peas, mint and coriander leaves and saut a little. Add basmati rice, 2 cups of boiling water, needed salt and pressure cook. Your peas pulav is ready. You can serve it with potato chips, raita/pachadi of your choice, papads or any gravy.

Simple Vegetable Pulav

It is raining here heavily for the past 4 days. My family wanted hot vegetable pulao for lunch. So I prepared this easy pulao with potatoes in tomato gravy as side dish, the recipe for which I will be blogging soon. If you have the vegetables ready, this pulao can be done in a few minutes time. It is less spicy and tastes awesome. Since I do not like spending long hours in the kitchen, my recipes are mostly simple and easy to prepare. How to make Simple Vegetable Rice Ingredients needed Basmati Rice -1 cup (soak it in water for 15-20 minutes and drain the water) Carrot -1 big

Beans -6 Cauliflower - 4-5 florets (optional) Potato -1 Onion -1 Peas - handful Ginger chopped 2 tsp Green chilli -2 Pudina/mint leaves handful Lemon -1/2 a lemon Oil -1 tbsp Salt as required For the seasoning Cinnamon -1 inch piece Cloves -4 pulav is done with ordinary raw rice variety Method Cut all the vegetables lengthwise and keep it aside. Heat oil and add the ingredients for seasoning. Saut onion till they turn light pink, add ginger and all the vegetables including mint leaves, saute for a few minutes. Then add rice, needed salt, 2 cups of boiling water and mix well. Squeeze juice of half a lemon and pressure cook for 2 whistles. Pulao using basmati rice, potato-tomato gravy & salad After it is done, garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with raita or papads or any gravy of your choice. Pulao can be done with raw rice also, though tastes great with basmati rice.

Cauliflower Rice Recipe-Gobi rice-Cauliflower Pulao (Indian style)

Cauliflower is loaded with nutrients. It is a very good source of vitamin C and manganese. It has cancer fighting properties. It is low in fat, high in fiber and has antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. It strengthens the immune system and protects against cardiovascular diseases.So let us try to include this vegetable in our diet. Here is a simple Cauliflower rice recipe/Gobi rice. This is also ideal for lunch box, both kids and elders will love this rice. This is one of our family's favourite rice.

Blanch the cauliflower florets. i.e.- Cut the cauliflower into florets and put them in boiling

water to which a little salt and a pinch of turmeric powder is added. Let it remain in the water for 5 minutes. Then drain the water completely. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pan and fry the cauliflowers adding half of the chilli powder. Do not overcook, as we want the cauliflowers to retain its crunchiness. Keep aside. Method Heat Then Now oil add add in a pan and add onions green the ingredients saute and mentioned till it for a turns few under seasoning. brown. minutes.

finely ginger,

chopped garlic,

and

golden more

chilli

saute

Then add tomato puree, turmeric powder, salt needed, remaining chilli powder, coriander powder, pulao masala and cook till it the raw flavor goes and oil separates. Now add the cooked cauliflowers, cooked rice to the tomato gravy. Mix everything well and simmer for a few more seconds until everything gets blended well. Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves and serve with chips or papads. Delicious Tips While buying cauliflowers, see to it that the florets are clean and white with bright green leaves. Looks for heavy and solid ones. Add a little lemon juice while blanching cauliflower to retain the white color. More Gobi /Cauliflower recipes from Padhuskitchen and simple Cauliflower Pulao is ready.

Pudina rice with Paneer

Ingredients needed Basmati Rice 1 cup Onion -2 (medium sized) Paneer cubes -10 pieces (fry it in oil/ghee) Oil -1 tbsp Salt to taste For the grinding Pudina- 1 bunch Green chillie- 3 -4

Ginger 1 small bit Garlic- 3 cloves For the seasoning Cloves -3 Cinnamon -1 bit Method Wash and soak Basmati Rice in water for 20 minutes. Then drain water and cook rice adding 2 cups of boiling water in a rice cooker/pressure cooker. Finely chop onions and keep it aside. Grind pudina, green chillies, ginger, garlic to a fine paste. Heat oil and add the ingredients for seasoning. Add onions and saut till they turn pink. Add the grounded paste, salt required and fry till oil separates. It will take only a few minutes. Add the cooked rice and paneer cubes and mix well.