4 Fun And Easy Recipes For Kids To Discover the Joy of Cooking In The Kitchen

1. Roti Rabdi

Use leftover rotis and transform them with this rich and sweet makeover.

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Serves: 1

Ingredients

• 3 rotis
• 2 cups milk (adjust according to your taste)
• 1 cup condensed milk
• A few drops of vanilla extract

For the garnish

• Assorted nuts

Method

1. Let your child roughly crumble the rotis.
2. In a saucepan, heat the milk and let it boil. Simmer for a few minutes and add the crumbled roti to it.
3. Cook them till the roti is soaked well and the mixture thickens a bit.
4. You can ask your child to add the condensed milk and mix well.
5. Cook the mixture to a thick consistency.
6. Turn off the flame, add vanilla extract, and mix well.
7. Transfer to a serving bowl, and garnish them with crushed nuts of your choice.

Tip: You can make condensed milk at home. Boil two cups of full cream milk with half a cup of sugar. Once boiled, simmer and stir from time to time until the quantity of milk is reduced by half. Allow it to cool. Homemade condensed milk is ready!

2. Cheesy Mini Muffin

A muffin with loads of cheese and vegetables.

Preparation time: 35 minutes | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups cheddar cheese
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup steamed corn
• 1 cup capsicum, finely chopped
• 1 cup spinach, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves to add to the mix and to garnish (optional)
• Chilli flakes (optional)
• Green chili and ginger paste (optional)
• Coriander leaves

Method:

1. Sift flour into a large bowl.
2. Let your child whisk the eggs.
3. Make a well in the flour, ask your child to add whisked eggs, chopped vegetables, coriander leaves, ginger, and the rest of the ingredients, and mix well until combined.
4. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
5. Your child can spoon this dough into a greased muffin tray and bake for 25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.

3. A Hearty Tomato Soup

A comfort food you can make any day, any time.

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 2 cups chopped tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 1 tsp chopped garlic
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the garnish

• 1/2 cup bread croutons
• 2 tbsp finely chopped coriander

Method

1. Help your child wash and chop the tomatoes. Let them add the tomatoes, onions, garlic, and 3 cups of water in a pressure cooker, and mix them well. Pressure cook for 3 whistles.
2. Allow the steam to escape before opening the lid.
3. Cool the mixture completely and blend in a mixer till smooth.
4. Transfer the mixture to a deep non-stick pan. Your child can add the butter, salt, and pepper, and mix well. Cook on a medium flame for 3 to 4 minutes, while stirring occasionally.
5. Serve hot, garnished with bread croutons and coriander.

4. Oat-Chocolate Date Bar

A quick no-bake energy bar packed with healthy ingredients.

Preparation time: 1 hour | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup dates, pitted
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1/4 cup almond butter
• 1 cup roasted unsalted almonds, chopped
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Method

1. Ask your child to break the dates into small pieces. Run it in the mixer till it all comes together and forms a dough.
2. Toast oats and almonds (176°C) in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until slightly golden brown. You can also toast them in a pan.
3. Place oats, almonds, and dates in a large mixing bowl, and set aside.
4. Warm honey and almond butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir and pour over the oat mixture and then mix, breaking up the dates to disperse throughout.
5. Once thoroughly mixed, transfer to an 8x8-inch baking dish or a small pan lined with plastic wrap or parchment paper, so they lift out easily.
6. Press down firmly until uniformly flattened.
7. Cover with parchment or plastic wrap, and let it firm up in the fridge or freezer for 15-20 minutes.
8. Remove bars from the pan and help your child chop it into 10 even bars (or 9 squares). Store in an airtight container for up to a few days.

Cooking is a great exercise to do with kids and it will create memories that last a lifetime.