6 Creative Ways To Serve Fruits And Vegetables To Kids

Introducing fruits and vegetables to your little one's diet is crucial for their growth and development. While purees are a popular choice for introducing solid foods, it's essential to explore creative ways to serve these nutrient-packed foods to make mealtime exciting and enjoyable. Here, we will take you on a flavorful journey through recipes that will make your little one fall in love with fruits and vegetables. Get ready to embrace fun and healthy eating!

Also Read: 5 Delicious And Creative Ways To Add More Greens To Your Plate

Banana Pancake Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup milk
• A pinch of cinnamon powder (optional)

Method:

1. Mash the ripe banana in a bowl until smooth.
2. Add whole wheat flour, milk, and cinnamon powder to the mashed banana. Mix well to form a thick batter.
3. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil or ghee.
4. Drop small spoonfuls of the batter onto the pan to form mini pancakes.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
6. Let them cool slightly and serve as bite-sized pancake delights!

These banana pancake bites are not only delicious but also a great way to incorporate fruits and whole grains into your little one's diet.

Vegetable Paratha Rolls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup grated carrots
• 1/4 cup grated zucchini
• 1/4 cup finely chopped spinach
• Salt to taste
• Ghee or oil for cooking

Method:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, grated carrots, grated zucchini, chopped spinach, and salt.
2. Knead the ingredients into a soft dough by gradually adding water.
3. Divide the dough into small balls and roll them into thin, circular parathas.
4. Heat a tawa (griddle) and cook the parathas on both sides with a little ghee or oil until golden brown.
5. Let the parathas cool and then spread a thin layer of yoghurt or hummus on each paratha.
6. Roll them up and secure them with toothpicks to create colourful and nutritious paratha rolls.

These vegetable paratha rolls are not only visually appealing but also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent choice for a wholesome snack or lunchbox treat.

Watermelon Popsicles

Ingredients:

• Fresh watermelon slices
• Popsicle moulds

Method:

1. Cut the watermelon into small, bite-sized pieces, removing the seeds.
2. Blend the watermelon chunks in a blender until smooth.
3. Pour the watermelon juice into popsicle moulds.
4. Insert popsicle sticks into the moulds.
5. Place the moulds in the freezer for a few hours until the popsicles are completely frozen.
6. Serve these refreshing watermelon popsicles on a hot summer day, and watch your little one enjoy the fruity delight!

Watermelon popsicles are a healthy and hydrating treat that will keep your little one refreshed and satisfied during scorching summers.

Vegetable Cutlets

Ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1/2 cup grated carrots
• 1/2 cup finely chopped beans
• 1/4 cup peas
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

Method:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, grated carrots, chopped beans, peas, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, and salt.
2. Mix well to form a smooth mixture.
3. Take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a cutlet.
4. Roll the cutlet in bread crumbs to coat it evenly.
5. Heat oil in a pan and shallow fry the cutlets until they turn golden brown on both sides.
6. Drain excess oil on a paper towel and serve these vegetable cutlets with a side of ketchup or chutney.

These vegetable cutlets are a fantastic way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your little one's diet. They can be enjoyed as a snack or a side dish.

Mango Yogurt Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
• 1 cup plain yoghurt
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• A few ice cubes

Method:

1. In a blender, combine diced mango, plain yoghurt, honey (if desired), and ice cubes.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour the mango yoghurt smoothie into a glass and serve chilled.

This creamy and tangy mango yoghurt smoothie is not only delicious but also rich in vitamins, minerals, and probiotics, promoting healthy digestion and immune function.

Fruit Chaat

Ingredients:

• Assorted fruits of your choice (such as apples, bananas, grapes, pomegranate seeds, orange segments, etc.)
• Chaat masala (a tangy Indian spice mix)
• Lemon juice

Method:

1. Wash, peel, and chop the fruits into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large bowl, combine the assorted fruits.
3. Sprinkle chaat masala and squeeze lemon juice over the fruits.
4. Toss gently to coat the fruits with the spices and citrus flavour.
5. Serve this delightful fruit chaat as a snack or a light dessert option.

Fruit chaat is a fun and flavorful way to encourage your little one to enjoy a variety of fruits while providing them with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Introducing fruits and vegetables to your little one's diet doesn't have to be a monotonous affair. By exploring these seven creative recipes, you can make mealtime fun, exciting, and full of nutritious goodness. From colourful paratha rolls to refreshing watermelon popsicles, these dishes are sure to entice your little one's taste buds and nourish their growing bodies. So, get ready to embark on a flavorful journey and watch your little one develop a lifelong love for fruits and vegetables!