11 Happy Meals For Your Kids

You can make your children into little eaters by embracing variety at mealtimes. Always also remember that if there is a healthy food your child refuses to eat, there must be another way to prepare it to his/her satisfaction. And freshly-prepared home dishes, even of something sweet, are far better than anything from outside or out of packet.

 

Pic: Kind courtesy Melissa/Wikimedia Commons

Beetroot Tikki Chaat

Make nashta time more exciting for your little ones with Chef Saransh Goila's chaat that uses tikkis made from beetroot, paneer, and potatoes. He tops it with ragda (containing valuable legumes), pomegranate, yoghurt  -- all heathy ingredients. To learn more about the wonders of beetroot read: 8 Reasons To Eat Beets Every Day

Please find the recipe here: Beetroot Tikki Chaat

Pic: Tute Consult for Rediff.com

Banana Smoothie

For busy parents who don’t have much time in the kitchen, here’s Hitesh Haringhani's healthy smoothie, with figs, yoghurt and cardamom, that is quick to make and is lovely for a nutritious and delicious treat! Use a less ripe banana that has more resistant starch and less sugar.

Please find the recipe here: Banana Smoothie

Pic: Hitesh Harisinghani/Rediff.com

Vegetable Poha Khichdi

Maharaj Bhanwar Singh takes an unusual short cut for his khichdi and uses, poha or flattened rice for it, cooking it up with yellow mung dal and a medley of vegetables of your choice. It will surely be adored by children. Opt for brown rice poha.

Please find the recipe here: Vegetable Poha Khichdi

 

Pic: Khandani Rajdhani for Rediff.com

Fruit Pizza

Chef Merajuddin Ansari's light, fresh pizza is not saccharine sweet and is a health-conscious way to dine, that your kids might find appealing. This pizza doesn't use maida or even wheat flour -- the base consists of a mixture of oatmeal and almonds.

Please find the recipe here: Fruit Pizza

Pic: Four Points by Sheraton for Rediff.com

Ragi Pancakes

A low-calorie breakfast by Chef Shantanu Gupte that uses instead of flour the healthier ragi or finger millets which are an excellent source of protein, antioxidants, fibre and are gluten free. To that he adds plenty of fruit.

Please find the recipe here: Ragi Pancakes

Pic: Chef Shantanu Gupte for Rediff.com

Strawberry And Cream Cheese Tart

A great kiddie surprise, Gitanjali Gurbaxani's tart is made with multigrain cookies, a light and creamy cheese filling, and topped with juicy strawberries. Remember strawberries have loads of vitamin C.

Please find the recipe here: Strawberry And Cream Cheese Tart

Pic: Gitanjali Gurbaxani for Rediff.com

Hawaiian Veggie Burger

Kids love to snack and one has to keep the innovation going. Presenting a burger stuffed with veggies and pineapple rings that can made within 30 minutes. Opt for a multigrain burger.

Please find the recipe here: Hawaiian Veggie Burger

Pic: Funfoods by Dr Oetker For Rediff.com

Strawberry And Chocolate Parathas

Chef Ranveer Brar's creativity runs wild and he transforms parathas into delightful tiffin treats. For best results make your own strawberry syrup.

Please find the recipe here: Strawberry & Chocolate Parathas

Pic: Hershey India for Rediff.com

Fruit Lollies

It is important to get enough fruit into your children's tummies and not as juice. Chef Pranay Singh makes them into ingenious and colourful lollies --  a delicious way to get kids to enjoy their fruits!

Please find the recipe here: Fruit Lollies

Pic: Chef Pranay Singh for Rediff.com

Multigrain Yogurt Coleslaw Sandwich

This sandwich by Chef Mukul Jha, is an excellent choice for kids! Made with creamy hung curd, crunchy grated veggies, and various spices, it's packed with protein and fibre, making it a great alternative to regular mayo-based sandwiches, while tasting sumptuous.

Please find the recipe here: Multigrain Yogurt Coleslaw Sandwich

Pic: Chef Mukul Jha for Rediff.com

Coconut Cream Pasta

Ingredients like walnuts, coconut, herbs, extra virgin olive oil elevate the nutritional value of a pasta dish while adding taste to. Chef Sabyasachi Gorai's recipe for this pasta is simple, quick and mast.

Please find the recipe here: Coconut Cream Pasta

Pic: California Walnuts for Rediff.com

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