Toddler

Toddlerhood can be fun, interesting, and even challenging when it comes to food. Toddlers are on the move constantly and their environment has become an exciting place to explore, thus food becomes less important when there are other things to do! It is a very common occurrence to have picky toddlers when it comes to food. As a parent the best thing you can do is encourage eating by making mealtimes a positive experience. Let your little pakora explore the food and get them involved in cooking with you. Food can be fun—but with any toddler patience is the key to successful mealtimes!

RECIPES:::

Renu’s Uttapam::: kind of like Indian-style savory pancakes

Uttapam is a very popular South Indian dish. It’s typically made with urad dal (lentils) and rice . My Little Pakora’s friend Renu taught us how to make a simpler, quick version of Uttapam. Get your Toddler involved in the prep of these savory “pancakes” and you and your pakora have a nutritious, simple meal in a very short amount of time.

What you need:

• ½ cup organic onion finely diced or organic red onion
• ½ organic green bell pepper finely diced
• 1 medium sized organic tomato – diced
• 1 cup fresh or frozen organic peas or frozen organic mixed veggies
• 1 tbsp organic olive oil
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• 1 ½ cups Sooji (Cream of Wheat/Farina)
• 1 ½ cup organic plain yogurt
• 1 cup water
• ½ tsp salt

Lets get started!

1. Heat olive oil on high heat. Add onions. Sauté onions for 2 minutes.
2. Add cumin powder to onions. Continue sautéing until onions are browned.
3. Add tomatoes, peas, and peppers to onions – mix together until peas are slightly soft-firm (kind of like al dente pasta!)
4. Add salt and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Set aside veggie mixture to cool.
6. Measure Sooji and pour into a mixing bowl. Add yogurt and water. Mix well to achieve a batter that has a smooth consistency; if there are any clumps add a little water.
7. Fold in veggie mixture to the Uttapam batter.
8. Use a medium frying pan or Tava (to save time use the same one you sautéed the veggie mixture) place on high heat and add a small tspn of olive oil – once fully heated, bring heat down to medium.
9. Use ladle/spoon and pour Uttapam batter into pan and cook until browned evenly on both sides.

Tip::: eat with yogurt and for mommies/daddies eat with any type of Indian pickle.

Another tip::: for added nutrition add 1 tspn ground flaxseed to Uttapam batter.

benefits::: with flaxseed-omega-3, fiber, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, folic acid, lycopene, beta-carotene.

Bananika Pops::: healthy frozen yogurt popsicles

My little pakora not only loves having these for a snack but also for a dinner dessert. Involve your pakora but engaging them in measuring and blending for you!

What you need:

• 1 cup organic plain vanilla yogurt
• 1 small ripe organic banana
• 6 small-medium strawberries (without stems)
• ¾-1 cup blueberries
• Popsicles Holder

Lets get started!

1. Wash strawberries & blueberries, peel banana and add to blender.
2. Add yogurt and blend fruit and yogurt until smooth.
3. Pour fruit-yogurt blend into popsicle holder
4. Freeze for about 3-4 hours
5. Eat & enjoy!

Serves: 7 little pakoras

benefits::: calcium, potassium, fiber, high level of antixiodants, Vitamin C, Vitamin E