Getting kids to eat healthy food can be a daunting task. Moms like me have to spend nearly an hour to get their kids to finish their meal. It takes a lot of running around, playing, chiding and what-not before they finally open up their mouths for a bite.
One of the observations I made recently is that when my son, Tarun, helps me out in the kitchen, he tends to finish his meal without a fuss. So, I try to involve him (and sometimes my 6-year-old too) while cooking their favourite dishes. This way, the kids don’t fuss over their food and they eat all the veggies with no complaints!
5 easy recipes for kids
While kids can help you out with simple tasks in the kitchen such as mixing, separating, washing, etc., here are a few easy recipes for kids they can manage all by themselves.
However, make sure you’re around all the time to guide them and ensure they don’t get hurt.
1. Veg cheese sandwiches
The key to making great veg cheese sandwiches is adding loads of cheese and not skimping on the veggies either!
Ingredients:
- 6-8 Slices of bread
- Butter
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 cucumber
- 2 onions
- 1 capsicum
Method of preparation:
- Spread butter on the bread slices and place on a pan over a stove.
- Add slices of cucumber, tomato, onion, and capsicum on the bread with loads of cheese. Cook open-faced until the cheese melts. If the cheese is taking too long to cook and you fear the bread will get too crispy or burnt, cover the pan with a lid.
- Cover the cheese and veggies with another slice of buttered bread, toss the sandwich upside down and cook until the bread is golden brown.
- Serve with tomato ketchup.
For other bread recipes, read 4 Drool-worthy Bread Recipes for Children!
2. Chocolate cake in a mug
Here’s a quick and easy eggless cake recipe your kids can follow when they crave for some home-made cake.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chocolate chips (optional)
Method of preparation:
- Add all the dry ingredients – flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a microwave-safe mug.
- Then add the oil, vanilla extract, and milk and blend it well using a fork.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips and place it in the microwave.
- Microwave for 70-90 seconds on high.
3. Scrambled eggs
This is yet another easy recipe that your kid can make in a jiffy – for breakfast or for an evening snack.
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- Butter
- ¼ cup milk
- Salt
- Pepper
Method of preparation:
- Beat the eggs, milk and a pinch of salt in a cup.
- Heat some butter on a pan and pour the egg mixture onto the pan.
- Once the egg sets on the pan, slowly pull the eggs until they form into soft curds.
- Transfer the egg to a serving plate.
- Drizzle some pepper and serve along with toast.
4. Veg cheese Maggi noodles
Kids love instant noodles. Adding some vegetables, cheese, and spices will make it all the more delightful!
Ingredients:
- 2 packets of Maggi
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tomato
- 1 onion
- ½ capsicum
- ¼ cup peas
- 1 spoon coriander powder
- 1 spoon cumin powder
- ½-1 spoon chilli powder (optional)
Method of preparation:
- Heat the oil in a pan.
- Add the vegetables one after the other (tomato in the end) and cook for a few minutes.
- Once all the vegetables are almost cooked, add the cumin powder, coriander powder, and chilli powder.
- Then, add 3-4 cups of water and bring to boil.
- Once the water starts bubbling up, add the noodles and cook for a few minutes with a lid.
- Switch off the stove once the Maggi is well cooked.
5. Banana and nut smoothie
This banana and nut smoothie is healthy and delish! Try for yourselves!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of milk
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 big banana
- 3-4 dates
- 3-4 almonds
Method of preparation:
- Soak the dates and almonds in milk for about 10 minutes. Remove the seeds from the dates (if any).
- Blend the dates, almonds, and milk with bananas until they form a smooth consistency.
- Add ice cubes and condensed milk.
- Refrigerate the smoothie for a while if you like. Garnish with some chopped almonds.
Let me know how these easy recipes for kids turned out for your little chef, in the comment section below!
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