Cooking with the Kids, Indian Style!

Learning to cook up a few fantastic dishes can help your kids read, do math, and hone their motor skills in a fun and productive way!

You simply need to make sure that the instructions are clearly typed in an easy-to-read size and format. See that you are equipped with the proper measuring and cutting gadgets and all the ingredients. If your kids are old enough to safely chop and shred the veggies, let them do it! Keep them involved in measuring, mashing, stirring, mixing. It will give them a sense of independent accomplishment.

Here’s something sweet and something savoury with an Indian twist that kids can try out; there are no chillis or strong spices. These recipes are just right for the cold winter days that lie ahead. Adult supervision will be needed.

Check out the complete recipes and original article on Mothering Matters

Recipe: Gram Flour Pancake

Gram flour (chickpea flour): 100 grams
3 Tbs of vegetables, your choice. For example: chopped spring onion, shredded carrots, shredded cabbage
½ tsp turmeric
½ tsp cumin
Salt: approximately ¾ tsp (or to taste)
Water: approximately 100 ml (or more depending on consistency)
Sunflower or vegetable oil: to lightly fry the pancake

 

Recipe: The Fusion Samosa

1 Blatterteig or puff pastry
2 medium-sized boiled potatoes
30 g cooked peas
1 Tbs. finely chopped red onion
For a touch of meat – you can finely chop a cooked sausage (optional)
Salt to taste
Pinch of black pepper
½ tsp cumin (optional)
1-2 Tbs. chopped coriander leaves (optional)

Preheat the oven to 180° C.

Recipe: Carrot Halwa

1 kg washed, peeled, and shredded carrots
1 Tbs. Bratbutter, or clarified butter
1 c. (240 ml) milk
50 g sugar
25 g chopped dates or raisins
1 tsp. crushed green cardamom
Other nuts of your choice: almonds, cashews (optional)

Enjoy the goodness of carrots, milk, and dry fruit!

 

Text and photos by Aradhna Sethi

Aradhna Sethi is the former chief editor of Swiss News and has been a consulting editor for other English language publications. An aspiring author, she blogs and writes while balancing the demands of growing up kids and her entrepreneurial husband. Read her at: aradhnasethi.wordpress.com. Follow her on Twitter: @AradhnaSethi.

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