Kids Lunch Box

Kachi Dabeli, Edamame, Strawberries dipped in chocolate, cheez-it crackers

2011-02-14T14:06:00.000-08:00

Kachi Dabeli : spicy mashed potato stuffing on the whole grains bread.

Add some kachi dabeli masala in some heated oil and add mashed potatos to it. I added peanuts, walnuts and cashews in it. On one slice of bread add the stuffing and decorate it with coconut flakes and pomogranate seeds; ketchup on the other side of the sandwich.

Chocolate dipped strawberries : In a bowl I add some chocolate chips/pieces of plain chocolate bar. microwave it for a minute. dip the strawberries and put in th fridge to cool. Roo loves to make them and eat :)

Edamame : green soybeans cooked in water and salt.

with some cheez-it s: baked snack crackers.

I added a pink love note under the sandwich.

Brown rice, tofu, broccoli in brown sauce with nuts, dates, raisins ladu, blueberries

2011-02-01T12:49:00.000-08:00

Brown rice, Tofu, Broccoli in brown sauce :
Brown rice (short grained) cooked in the pressure cooker with some salt.
brown sauce : Soy sauce + sugar + olive oil + honey mustard + sesame oil + salt pepper. whisk it all together and add it to the rice according to the flavor. At PFChangs they serve a kind of brown sauce. but the chili and wasabi is not Ruta's taste. she likes this homemade sauce.
Tofu: I add tofu pieces with some of this brown sauce in a pan and cook it on low heat.
Blanched broccoli topped with brown sauce and sesame seeds.

Nuts, Dates and Raisins Ladu (roll) : Grind Nuts (raw walnuts, almonds, cashews, etc) with dates raisins and roll them with hands. no sugar, no salt.
with some Blueberries.

Whole Wheat Pasta Salad

2010-12-01T10:50:00.000-08:00

Whole Wheat Pasta Salad : Fusilli or any spiral pasta with fresh basil, feta cheese, some lettuce, baby spinach leaves, cucumber slices and finely cut yellow bell pepper topped with raspberry vinaigrette.
Pasta salad is a very yummy picnic food.

Raspberry vinaigrette : 1 teapoon olive oil + 1/2 teapoon raspberry wine vinegar + 1/4 teaspoon sugar + drop of honey mustard + salt and pepper.

Jawaar(Sorghum) Bhakri (Flatbread), Jaggery+Ghee, Chatni+oil

2010-11-29T09:57:00.000-08:00

Jawaar bhaakri (Flatbread) with Jaggery+Ghee and Chatani+oil - This is my childhood favorite lunch and Roo's favorite too. After taking the picture I added more chatni to the oil.
Roo eats carrots when sliced thin. Carrots, Blanched broccolli, mandarin orange pieces on the side.
Jawaar (Sorghum) is high in carbohydrates and has sweet taste. Bhakri (flatbread) is made very differently than naan, roti's. Flour is mixed with water/milk, made flat with hands (no rolling pin). On the pan while roasting brush the top side with water. Let it roast until it holds the shape and then roast both sides on the fire (stove) flame. It will be puffy dome shaped flatbread.

toasty Sandwich, Sheera, sugar snap peas and fruits

2010-04-29T12:54:00.000-07:00

Sandwich made using sandwich maker : Sandwich maker makes warm toasty sandwich. The edges of the bread gets sealed nicely making easy to eat for kids.
Filling : Can vary according to kids choice. I filled it with mixed dry vegetables bhaji(sabji)

Sheera with cashews and keshar (Saffron) : sooji halwa. yummy sweet.

Sugar snap peas (peapods). Apple and apple-pear slices.

Bhel

2010-04-29T12:22:00.000-07:00

Bhel with vegetables and sprouted beans : This is the best picnic food. Roo loves it in her lunch box.
Puffed rice is mixed together to eat with -
boiled potato, soaked and sprouted moong and moth (mataki) beans, grated carrots, finely cut cucumber (no seeds) and tomatoes, chopped onions and corriander. I added some peanuts, almonds and walnuts after taking picture and a spoon to eat.
farsan - (sweet and spicy blend of garbanzo bean flour noodles).
topped with sweet and saur (tangy) tamarind chutney (sauce) : soak tamarind overnight, blend it in mixer (blender), strain it and discard seeds and fibers. In a saucepan cook tamarind pulp with sugar (jaggery) and some salt. cook it for 10-15 minutes. I make 4-5 jars of this sauce at a time and keep in the fridge.

Aloo Paratha with vegetables, plum and apple slices

2010-03-22T22:16:00.000-07:00

Aloo paratha with added vegetables : I use durum atta for stuffed paratha dough. For 1 cup flour use 1/3 -1/2 cup water and pinch of salt.

Stuffing : heat some oil add grated ginger, turmeric, ajwain seeds(ova), grated turnip, grated kohlrabi (navalkol), green string beans, green peas, boiled and mashed potatoes, lemon juice, salt, sugar.

Apple and Plum slices.

[If you can't make stuffing completely covered with dough ball with hands. Roll the dough a little (by coating it with flour), put the stuffing ball in the middle and fold the dough on top of the stuffing ball. Pinch out the extra dough, make ball and roll it lightly with rolling pin and again coating generously with flour at all times]

Bread Upma, grapes, vegetables

2010-03-22T22:03:00.001-07:00

Bread Upma : White bread cut into small pieces (cubes). Mix some lemon juice, salt and sugar with bread cubes.

Heat some oil for tempring (tadka) add cumin seeds, turmeric, grated ginger, finely chopped onion, pinch of salt. let it cook. add peanuts and bread cubes. Mix it all together and turn off the heat.

Brocolli (your kids favorite veggies) with dip.

Grapes.

Methi Thepla, Apple slices, blueberries

2010-03-06T14:04:00.000-08:00

Methi (fenugreek leaves) Thepla : It's a great picnic food...and so is for lunch box.
2 cups of whole wheat flour, 2 cups finely chopped fenugreek leaves, 1/2 cup Jawar(millet) flour, 1/2 cup besan [or soak any lentils(I used chana dal here) and grind in the mixer], 1 cup yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, 1 tbs sesame seeds, Ajwain (ovaa) seeds, turmeric, salt, some water/milk to make the dough. I make it like paratha. Cut it into bites.
Unusual dip but Roo's favorite : chutney (almonds+walnuts+flaxmeal+garlic+salt+red chili powder) mixed in ketchup.
Apple slices and blueberries. Thats my 15 month old's sneaky hand.

Croissant sandwich with veggies, apple plum and strawberry slices

2010-03-06T13:47:00.000-08:00

Croissant sandwich : can be made lots of different ways. This is Roo's favorite one with maximum veggies.

Thick layer of Basil pesto with spinach, walnuts, olive oil, flax meal, lemon juice and salt then the thick layer of finely grated carrots and grated cheese.
Apple, plum and strawberry slices on the side.

Vegetarian lasagna

2010-02-22T13:53:00.000-08:00

Vegetarian Lasagna : It can take enormous amount of vegetables hidden. I made this casserole in 9X9 inch. pan.

I used more than a pound of spinach, 2 cups grated carrots, 3 cups broccoli florets, 2 cups finely chopped bell pepper and celery.

heat some oil in a big pot add - dry herbs (oregano, basil), finely chopped garlic (4 cloves), 1/2 onion, vegetables, 8 oz crumbled tofu, salt, lemon juice, 1 tbs sugar, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbs whole wheat flour and add it to veggies. Mix it all together until veggies cooked (about 10 min).

cook the pasta sheets as per instructions. 1 cup of pasta sauce, 2 cups of Mexican blend cheese and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese will make this veggie cheesy lasagna... yum.
In pan - 2 layers of veggies, pasta sauce, cheese and pasta sheets... topped with cheese. baked for 30 min 350F.

Well, this was dinner so in the morning - I cut the lasagna piece, warmed for 2min in a bowl in the microwave and gave it in the hot lunch box by cutting it into bites with sharp knife- ready to eat with fork. It will be warm for lunch.

Roo loves it...so nothing on the side.

Idly Upma, Cake, Raspberries

2010-02-04T13:26:00.000-08:00

Idly Upma with Vegetables and sambar powder :

Dinner leftover Idly cut into small pieces, vegetables I used brocolli, mushroom, carrots, radishes, cauliflower, yellow orange red bell peppers. Heat a spoonful oil in a pan add mustard seeds, jeera, ginger-garlic paste, curry leaves (kadipatta), chopped onion, vegetables , Idly pieces mixed with salt sugar and lemon juice. cover and let it cook for 5 min stirring in between.

Cake : 3 cups of 100% Whole wheat flour (not atta - trader joes has a good one), 1 stick butter 8oz, 1 cup sugar (1/4 or 1/2 cup more can be added), 4 eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 tsp pure lemon/orange extract, 1/2 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp baking pawder.

Mix in order eggs, butter, sugar, vanilla, lemon and flour with baking powder, at the end milk. I mix it in kitchenaid mixer and bake it in bundt cake pan (cake looks like big donut) at 350F for 50 min.

and Raspberries.

Pita bread boats (sandwiches), strawberries and blueberries

2010-02-04T13:03:00.000-08:00

Pita bread sandwiches : Whole wheat pita bread filled in with finely cut lettuce, cucumber, grated carrots, feta cheese, salad dressing and topped with Parmesan cheese. One Pita boat with cream cheese and pepper jelly (sometimes I give ghee-sugar/ chutney-oil)

with berries.

crepe roll with cream cheese and sugar, veggies with dip, orange bites

2010-02-02T13:28:00.000-08:00

Cream cheese and Sugar (white homemade butter/ Loni/Makkhan and Sugar) is yummy mouth watering combination. Kids love it. Can go well with poli, roti, paratha, any dosa, bread, bagel, crepe etc.

Crepe : Mix milk and flour (any flour like jawar, ragi, whole wheat, all purpose/ maida). Make crepe(like Dosa). Spread cream cheese and sprinkle sugar and roll it.

soaked and cooked chana.

some orange bite size slices and brocolli, celery, carrots with dip.

Banana bread with grated carrots, Strawberry jam, grapes and straberries

2010-01-26T11:24:00.000-08:00

Banana bread : All the ripe fruits bread :

3 ripe bananas, 1 ripe pear, 1 orange - all cut into small pieces, 1 cup finely grated carrots, 2 cups of whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup flaxmeal, 1/2 cup sugar (u can add 1/4 cup more sugar as per taste), 1/4 cup milk, 1 egg, 1/2 cup walnuts and pecans, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon baking soda.

Mix egg, sugar, salt, soda then add fruits, carrots, flaxmeal and flour. I use kitchenaid stand mixer to mix. This becomes a cakey mixture and not dough. bake it 350F for 50min in small pans...to avoid moist center. If you use large pan bake for longer time.

with Strawberry jam.

grapes and starwberry on the side.

Roo ate 2 and 1/2 slice of bread and kept 2 bites for me. She ate all the fruits.

Sevai (shevaya/ vermicelli) upma, apple slices, baked fish crackers, tilgul vadi

2010-01-19T13:49:00.000-08:00

Shevaya/ sevai / Vermicelli Upma : This is a south indian dish. Kids love it. It is made from homemade sooji Shevaya or rice vermicelli. I used rice vermicelli here.
Dry Roast vermicelli for 2 min until it changes its color.
Heat a tablespoon oil, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds. add 1 chili (optional). Add curry leaves, finely chopped onions, soaked urad dal. I added grated carrots and squash (lal bhopala). Add 1 cup of dry roasted vermicelli. add nuts. add salt, sugar and lemon juice as per taste. Now add 2 cups of hot water and let it cook. Stir occasionally and cook until it becomes soft.

with apple slices and whole grain baked fish crackers.
Tilgul vadi. Roo is been snacking on it the whole long weekend.
Left box was all gone...She ate it first and ate less than half of upma.

Vegetarian hakka noodles (indo-chinese), baked tortilla chips, walnuts

2010-01-14T14:11:00.000-08:00

Vegetarian Hakka Noodles : Indian-chinese cuisine has lots of fusion flavor dishes.

Here I used whole wheat noodles (available in indian store as - maggi atta noodles)asian hakka noodles or any egg noodles work well. cook the noodles as per package instructions.

Heat some(1 tablespoon) oil in a pan. add finely chopped garlic and onion. 1 cup thinly sliced carrots, 4 cups thinly cut cabbage, 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery and 3/4 cup corn. 1 tbs soy sauce + salt + sugar. on high flame, keep stiring for 5-7 min. add noodles and stir.

with nacho cheese flavored baked tortilla chips and walnuts.

except few walnuts everything else gone...Roo ate good today :)

Bagel with cream cheese, broccoli with ranch, garbanzo beans, cherries, blueberries

2010-01-08T12:46:00.000-08:00

Anything smiling at Roo makes her smile...She made the blueberry smile by herself. the blueberries on the top are the hairs. Its fun to pack lunchbox with kids.
Bagel - toasted Honey whole wheat bagel with cream cheese. Hummus, chutneys, jams, jelly, cheese / tofu spreads work well with bagel.
Blanched broccoli with ranch and cooked garbanzo beans.
Fresh cherries and blueberries on the side.
Quarter of Bagel and all garbanzo beans were back...I snacked on it...with my evening coffee.

Mini uttapa and sabji sandwich, guava and grapes

2009-12-09T12:45:00.000-08:00

Mini uttapa with vegetables : I used typical Idly batter to make mini uttapas. In the batter add finely grated ginger, finely chopped onions and lots of chopped corriander. On the nonstick pan add few drops of oil and spoonful of batter and then add carrot cubes and peas. let it cook by covering the lid. with Chutney : blend in the mixer (blender) - mint, corriander leaves ( I use chopped stems - its good fiber) , green chili, yogurt, walnuts, Daal (roasted garbano beans), flaxmeal (javas), salt, sugar.
Mini uttapa sabji sandwich : Typical potato sabji that is made with dosa. I added grated carrots, green peas, lemon juice, salt sugar to the boiled and chunky mashed potatoes. Sandwiched it with some ketchup in mini uttapas.
Gauva slices and grapes. I took off the seeds and peeled the gauva. Roo's taste buds haven't developed for guava yet.
Roo ate Uttapa burgers (thats what she called it) and grapes...All chutney untouched, all guava slices and other single uttapas came back.

Bread pakoda (not fried), broccoli with ranch

2009-12-08T11:35:00.001-08:00

Bread pakoda (not fried) : I used honey whole wheat bread. Cut the slices into strips. Mix all the ingredients - 1 cup of besan (garbanzo beans flour), salt, red chili powder, ovaa (known as - ajwain, ajwan, ajowan, omam, caraway seeds). Add water and whisk it to a little thinner than pancake batter consistency. Dip the bread strips into the batter and cook it from both sides on the nonstick pan with little oil. [just like french toast]

with ketchup.

blanched broccoli with ranch.

I added few grapes in the lunch box after taking picture.

Tofu makhani with poli (chapati)

2009-12-07T12:51:00.000-08:00

Roo calls it orange bhaji (sabji/curry). Its her very favorite that nothing goes on the side.
Tofu makhani - Paneer makhani - In a pan heat a teaspoon oil. Add garlic, ginger, chopped onions, chopped tomatoes, carrot cubes, peeled and cubed zuchini (if other vegetables like spinach added then add beet root to enhance color), some cooked canellini (white) beans . Let it all cook with some water and by covering with lid. blend it in blender (mixer). cut tofu/paneer into small bite size cubes.
In the pan heat a teaspoon oil/butter and add masala (I usually use Shahi paneer masala/ tandoori masala or paneer makhani). Add the tomato-onion gravy and tofu cubes; some salt and 1/2 teaspoon sugar for taste.
with Phulake (I used few drops of olive oil on top so they will stay soft).

TIP about buying Masala powders : If you are making Sambar...purchase Sambar masala made in south India...MTR, 777 are good brands. If you r making pav-bhaji... Mumbai brands like Everest. If you are making north indian dish like paneer makhani...then MDH brand.
I usually read the address where it is manufactured when buying.

I gave it in typical stacking tiffin which goes in the insulated box. It will be warm lunch.

Polenta with beans and carrots, apple slices

2009-12-04T12:43:00.000-08:00

Polenta with mexican red beans and grated carrots in Pasta sauce :
In this recipe I used polenta like pasta, roasted it on the pan. Mixed some cooked (with salt) beans and grated carrots in pasta sauce...microwaved it for a minute sprinkled some cheese and gave it in hot lunch box.
Polenta is prcooked corn meal (north Italy) and has savory taste. It is available in any supermarket. Mexican red beans are like small kidney beans (rajma) but has different taste.
with apple slices.

Phodnichi poli (masala tortilla/chapati/roti), woldorf salad

2009-12-03T12:47:00.000-08:00

Phodnichi poli - policha kuskara - masala tadka chapati (phulake) :
Its a popular Indian breakfast item made from leftover Roti/Poli/Chapati/Paratha/Tortilla.

Crumble or cut or crush the tortilla/chapati to small pieces. If its dry chapati like phulake you can use mixer to do it. Add some lemon juice, salt and sugar a teaspoon each for 6-7 tortillas and keep it aside. For tempering/ tadka/ phodni - heat very little oil (I used 1 teaspoon) in a pot and then add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, grated ginger, finely chopped onions pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon water. cover with lid and let it cook.
Add vegetables of your choice. I added frozen peas, green pegion peas (tur), edamame, grated carrots, finely chopped zuchini. Mix in the crumbled chapatis/tortillas. Turn the heat to low and let it cook for 10 minutes covering with lid.

Woldorf salad : Mix all of it together - finely chopped apple, celery, walnuts, grapes, thick yogurt, sugar. Yummy and easy :)
It is made with mayonaise and raisins but Roo doesn't like it so I added grapes and yogurt instead.

Japanese pizza or pancake, marinated and roasted lotus root slices,grapes and strawberries

2009-12-01T13:17:00.000-08:00

Japanese pancake (okonomiyaki) : This is a savory pancake - a vegetarian version closer to japanese pancake or pizza. This is clean the fridge recipe...can be made with many vegetables.

3 cups cabbage thinly cut into strings, grated carrots 1/2 cup, sliced mushrooms, 2 tablespoon while wheat flour, 1/3 cup grated raw nagaimo root [optional or potato/taro root can be used], 2 teaspoon ketchup, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, salt. Mix it all together without any water. With few drops of oil make mini pancakes on the nonstick pan. Cook from both sides.

It already has ketchup but kids can eat enormous ketchup. This is a very good picnic food...lunchbox item.

Marinated and roasted lotus root slices : lotus root slices marinated in soy sauce + salt + sesame oil + rice vinegar and roasted on the pan.

Lotus root being a starchy root doesn't have much nutritional value...its different taste makes it a fun food to eat. Fresh lotus root is available at any supermarkets. Asian stores like Uwajimaya carry it in frozen sections too.

grapes and strawberries.

Grilled cheese sandwich triangles, Masoor, orange and apple slices, garbanzo beans

2009-11-30T12:35:00.000-08:00

Grilled cheese sandwich triangles : whole grain bread slices, some finely grated baby carrots, american cheese slices and grated parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. I grilled it on the nonstick pan with few drops of olive oil and cut it into triangles.
Soaked whole Masoor (lentils). they didn't sprout yet.
Tangerine (orange) and apple slices.
Soaked and cooked (with salt) garbanzo beans.

veggie masala burger, roasted sweet potato, kiwi and strawberry

2009-11-24T13:24:00.000-08:00

Veggie masala burger with lettuce and whole wheat bread : I cut the bread slices in hexagon shape (its hard to cut in circle shape for me so hexagon!). honey mustard on one slice - ketchup, sweet pickles and finely chopped onion on the burger patty (ketchup on bread will be soggy). thick lettuce round cut and another hexagon slice... Burger ready :)

Sweet potato roasted (fries) : cut sweet potato in stripes. Sprinkle salt and pepper and roast it on the pan, Add few drops of oil. Let it cook from all sides. about 10-15 minutes. with kethup.

kiwi and strawberries.

Frozen section have vegetable masala burger patties or homemade ones are good too!

I sometimes include little love note in Roo's lunchbox...

Instant spanish rice with vegetables, almonds, apples, grapes, strawberries

2009-11-23T12:57:00.001-08:00

Instant spanish rice with vegetables, cheese and salsa : Leftover rice recipe - 1 and 1/2 cup cooked rice, 1 cup thinly grated carrots, 1 cup finely chopped spinach, 1/4 cup salsa [ finely chopped tomatoes, onions, coriander/ cilantro, lemon juice, red chili powder, salt] or taco sauce, 1/4 cup cheese, salt and pepper.

Mix everything else other than rice and microwave it for 30 seconds, then mix rice and microwave for another minute. I gave it in hot lunch box so it will be warm for lunch.

Almonds, Grapes, Strawberries, Apple slices - to prevent apple slices turning brown until lunch - I use orange juice on it or rub an orange slice on the apple slice...Lemon juice can be used (Lemon juice changes its taste)... wash apple slices with salt + cold water.

Roo likes this version of spanish rice.

Roo was 4 years old when first time I made this rice for dinner from leftover rice...next morning she asked me - do we have any leftover rice?...to make spanish rice :) I cooked fresh rice that morning and made spanish rice for her lunch too.

Israeli style couscous blend with vegetables and beans, plum and strawberry

2009-11-20T11:48:00.000-08:00

Grains blend - Israeli couscous, Orzo pasta, baby garbanzo beans and Quinoa - In a pot heat 1 teaspoon oil, add finely chopped 1 garlic clove, 1 teaspoon fresh (dry) oregano, chopped onion, grated carrots, chopped celery, cannellini beans [I soak dry beans, cook them with salt and in glass jar keep it in the freezer], lima beans, sliced mushrooms, chopped spinach, 1 cup of grains blend (for lunch boxes), 2 cups of hot water, salt, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar (2 chopped tomatoes/ tomato paste), 1 teaspoon sugar to balance the taste of vinegar. let it cook for 15 minutes...stiring in between.

Roo likes Quinoa which is mixed in. This dish is 2 thumbs up from her. She asks for KusKus for dinner :)

with Plum slices and strawberries.

Scone (whole wheat and oat bran) with jam, Edmame and string beans with herbs, pomogranate seeds

2009-11-19T12:38:00.000-08:00

Scotish Scones : 1 cup whole wheat flour, 3/4 cup oat bran, 4 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/8th teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoon butter, 3/4 cup yogurt, 1 egg.

Mix all the dry ingredients. Mix butter and oil in it, kind of rub to the flour [This step is imp] untill mixed together. Whisk egg and yogurt and add to flour. 3/4 inch high triangle shapes. I baked them on 350F temperature for 20 minutes.

I made medium sized ...Roo can handle this size...for younger kids smaller than these r better.

you can cut in between and put jam...

Roo enjoys spreading strawberry jam and eating...so I gave her spreading knife.

Edamame and string beans sauteed with herbs and pomogranate seeds.

Banana Pancake, Quinoa with vegetables

2009-11-18T13:18:00.000-08:00

Banana Pancakes : Kids favorite, quick and easy to make in the morning.

more than 1 cup mashed ripe bananas, 1 teaspoon sugar, 3/4 cup whole wheat flour (atta), salt - Mix it all together. I added cashew nuts and pinch of cardamom (veladoda/ vilayachi/ elayachi) powder. On the nonstick pan with drop of oil I make bite size pancakes (uttapa).

I gave it with maple syrup (sugary syrup with maple flavor) in little honey jar that I reuse.

Kids will pick pancake, dip it in syrup and eat.

Quinoa (pronounced as keenwa) with vegetables : Soak Quinoa (Its a very high protein grain and has nutty tasty) for 1/2 an hour to take the outer bitter layer or 5 minutes in hot water and rinse it. In a pot heat some oil, add cumin seeds, grated ginger, chopped onions, herbs - oragano, thyme, corriander, red chili powder, chopped potato, green peas and carrot cubes and rinsed quinoa. Let it all cook for 10-15 minutes.

You can make quinoa in many different ways. The above is our family favorite for dinner and leftover for lunch. Quinoa is not Roo's favorite...she eats few bites...thats why I gave it as side dish. Try if your kid likes it.

yellow khichadi with lentils and vegetables, papad, tandoori tofu, amba (mango) barfi

2009-11-17T11:33:00.000-08:00

Roo calls this Yellow Khichadi to differentiate between shabudana (tapioca) khichadi (looks white) and this khichadi (usually called as moong dal khichadi/khichri). I add masoor and tur dal too.
Yellow Khichadi with lentils and vegetables :
In a thick base pot heat little oil add cumin seeds, turmeric, chopped garlic, curry leaves, gaam masala. I added frozen lima beans, frozen green chana, lots of chopped spinach, chopped green string beans, salt. 1 cup rice, 1/2 cup moong dal, 1/4 cup masoor dal, 1/4 cup tur dal rinse with water and add it in the cooking pot. Let it cook for 20 minutes...add hot water as needed...stir occasionally while cooking.
Adding different grains : I add whole grains like Quinoa, millets, Amaranth, Kamut flakes, barley flakes, rye flakes, Farro flakes...
The trick I use is cooking time has to be same for all the grains u will be adding.
if I am cooking brown rice(70 min o cook) then I add whole grain barley, soaked farro etc.
Tandoori tofu toothpick kabobs : Cut super firm tofu in cube pieces. sprinkle some tandoori masala and salt. Dry roast it on non stick pan...you can add few oil drops. This is our family favorites. I saw it in PCC natural markets for the first time...
I make Papad in microwave for 30 sec - 1min.
Chitale Amba (Mango) Barfi...is made from Alphonso mango juice...tastes very yummy...just beyond explanation...Roo loves it. She preferes this mango barfi over chocolate...

Burrito with beans and cheese, plum, persimmon, raspberries

2009-11-16T12:27:00.000-08:00

Burrito - beans and cheese wrapped in palak paratha (spinach tortilla) :

For the dough I used whole wheat flour (atta) and chopped spinach and then made paratha (spinach tortilla) Beans : Cook soaked red kidney beans (rajma) in the pressure cooker.

Soaking overnight : is an expression...you can soak beans whenever you have time...Beans can stay soaked for 2-3 days (as long as water changed every 10 hours...before going to work and after coming from work when you wash hands...just change the soaking beans water). Cook it in the pressure cooker. Keep it in the fridge/freezer.

In some oil saute garlic, onions, tomato, rajma masala (any masala) and mashed beans with little water. Add mild taco sauce to it. Let it cook for few minutes and then cool. I make these beans thick with masala and taco sauce.

Cling wrap it in tortilla with mexican cheese blend (any mild flavor cheese).

with Plum and Persimmon slices, Raspberries.

Roo ate both the burritos...just 2 persimmon slices came back.

Garlic bread, melon balls, baby corn and broccoli

2009-11-13T11:54:00.000-08:00

This lunchbox is the quickest, easiest and kids favorite one. I assembled it within 15 minutes and you can too.
Garlic toast : Fresh 2 garlic cloves finely chopped mixed with 1 tablespoon of butter/ghee(purified butter). I like fresh garlic but you can try using garlic powder/salt. Any fresh/ dry herbs [coriander, basil, oregano, tulsi]. Mix some salt. I microwaved it for a minute so all the flavors will get mixed. Refrigerate it.
I used whole wheat sprouted bread(any bread is good). I took off the edges and made stripes for easy eating. Spread the garlic butter on one (top) side (generously) and toast the bread on the pan.
Cantaloupe melon balls : Kids love this version than bites.
baby corn and broccoli(blanched) with ranch.
baby corn : 60% of worlds corn is grown in US and still I can't find a place where I could buy fresh baby corn all year long...I used canned here. I try to avoid any canned food.
Roo loves baby corn :)

Jumbo pasta with vegetables and tofu, berries

2009-11-12T11:47:00.001-08:00

This is kids favorite lunch box dish. I replaced ricotta cheese in the filling with vegetables and tofu.
Jumbo pasta shells with vegetables and tofu : Cook pasta as per instructions[I cook it 5 minutes more because I don't bake it after filling].
Filling : In little olive oil I added finely chopped onions and oregano; added some salt to cook it. Added 3 cups of chopped spinach, 1 cup of thinly grated carrots, 3 oz mashed firm tofu and salt for taste. Let it cook for few minutes. After cooling mixed 2 tablespoons of pasta sauce in it.
Fill the cooked shells and sprinkle any cheese (parmesan) on top. I microwaved it for 1-2 minutes...until the cheese on top melted.
with blueberries and strawberries.

The flavor of tofu in this dish/lasagna/manicotti goes so close to ricotta...It tastes perfect without extra fat and looked perfect because of cheese on top.

Roo ate everything from this lunchbox : -)

Steamed spicy modak with vegetables, plum and star fruit slices

2009-11-10T12:14:00.000-08:00

Steamed modak (whole wheat + ragi/nachani/millet flour) with spicy vegetables : Roo loves Samosa. This is easier and healthier version of Samosa/ in modak shape. Aalloo matar vegetables r good.
I made vegetables as : In little oil add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, turmeric, curry leaves, ginger garlic paste, mint leaves, coriander leaves, chopped onions, garam masala(any), carrots, green peas, finely cut green beans and long beans (chavali), spinach leaves (any greens), salt, sugar, lemon juice.
I mixed ragi flour (nachani /millet flour - Millets have high protein) with some whole wheat flour and made the dough with milk. Thats why the color. rolled into tortilla (roti) and made modak or samosa shape and steamed it for 8-10 minutes.
with Ketchup.
plum and star fruit slices. Star fruit looks and smells so beautiful makes me feel like eating it right away...but the truth is It doesn't taste that beautiful. Roo eats a slice or 2 not much thumbs up from her.

1 modak, ketchup untouched and one starfruit slice came back in the lunchbox.

Mini muffins, plum slices, yellow and green dried peas, mushrooms celery jicama broccoli with ranch

2009-11-09T12:39:00.000-08:00

Mini banana nut honey yogurt Muffins (made with whole wheat flour + multigrain flour) : Easy to eat and easy to make in the morning (30 min).
1 cup whole wheat flour, 3/4 cup multigrain flour(with oats barley wheat germs), 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt,1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup honey, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3/4 cup apple sauce, 1 cup mashed well ripe bananas, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/2 cup chopped nuts, some chocolate chips or M&M s.
Mix all wet ingredients (eggs, honey, oil, yogurt, applesauce). Mix dry ingredients and add to it. add bananas and nuts. add into muffin pans. In few muffin I push chocolate chip or M&M into the middle of a muffin. For surprise taste :) Bake for 20 minutes on temp 350F.
yellow and green dried peas - Soak overnight, cook with water and salt.
mushroom, celery, jicama, broccoli (blanched) bites with ranch.
and plum slices.

Roo ate 3 muffins, all veggies, plums, some beans.

Tapioca (shabudana) Khichdi

2009-11-06T12:50:00.000-08:00

Shabudana (Sago) (Tapioca) Khichdi : Most favorite all time favorite kids lunch box meal. It is very popular indian snack during fasting.

The 95 percent success of the dish is in soaking Sabudana. For 2 cups of sabudana (tapioca) I use 2 cups of water and soak it overnight. Boil roots - potato, sweet potato and yam(orange in color). 2 cups of some cubed and some mashed of the above roots. Salt, 1-2 tsp sugar, lemon juice, corriander leaves, cumin seeds, 1tbsp oil. 1 cup of crushed nuts (I use either chopper or mixer/food processor with pulse mode) not powder. I used raw almonds and dry roasted peanuts here.

roasted : most of the Roasted label for nuts is fried in oil. Raw nuts are the best(high in heart healthy nutrients). Dry roasted, no salt (or look for low sodium content) are good too.

In the hot oil add cumin seeds, green chili pieces(optional), mix everything else together with light hands and cook for few minutes.

nothing else on the side... :)

Roo ate everything from this lunchbox...It is her (anybody's) all time favorite.

Sooji Appam (Rava Baby Idly), Fava (giant) Beans, Strawberries

2009-11-05T11:59:00.000-08:00

Sooji (rava) Appam with grated carrots : Roo calls it baby Idly. It has been one of the best lunchbox items since her preschool. Quick and easy to make, yummy and easy to eat.

1 cup Sooji (rava), 1 cup yogurt (preferably sweet and thick), 3/4 cup water, salt - Soak it for 30 minuts. I mixed grated ginger in the above water, drained it and added the water. Kids may not like grated ginger in between. I added little bit of finey chopped onion and lots of grated carrots.

Carrots : Most of the times I start my cooking by grating carrots. They can be added and blend well in most of the sweet, sour, spicy dishes. Goldmines of nutrients, Immunity boosters for kids to fight everyday infections, high in Vit A and alpha-beta carotene etc etc.

Appam can be made in Pancake puffs pan and traditional appam pan. I gave it with Green Tomato Chutney for this lunchbox : Blend in blender (mixer) - finely chopped green tomato, coriander leaves(cilantro), mint leaves, 1 green chili (optional), walnuts, Roasted split gram dal (google/bing it for more info), yogurt, salt and sugar. Fava beans : These are the giant beans I have ever seen. My almost 1 year old loves to eat it. Soak and cook fava beans in pressure cooker with some salt. Just eat them or In some oil with garlic-ginger paste and some onions cook it a little.

I added few strawberries to this lunchbox.

Vegetarian hot dog, grapes, berries

2009-11-04T12:08:00.000-08:00

In preschool Roo had a school picnic day, her school teacher was making hot dogs(meat version) for all kids. I came up with this recipe and its Roo's favorite since.
Veggie hot dog : with multi grain bread slice (edges removed) and ketchup. Mix everything together - 1 boiled and mashed potato, 1 bread slice crumbs (make pieces and make fresh bread crumbs in blender/mixer), 2 cups of grated and finely chopped vegetables, salt and spices (any masala or red chili powder). I used carrots, cauliflower, yellow and red bell paper, swiss chard, methi (any greens), radish, coriander leaves (cilantro), chopped onions, grated ginger. On the pan roast vegetarian hot dog with little oil.
with grapes and berries.

Roo ate everything from this lunchbox :-)

Lemon rice with vegetables, blueberries

2009-11-03T12:58:00.000-08:00

Lemon rice (tadka rice/ phodnicha bhat) with vegetables : Leftovers can be made into great lunches. I used leftover plain rice, vegetables, nuts and lentils to make lemon rice.
vegetables : I used edamame, carrots cubes, blanched broccoli(mixed on top) - peas/sprouted cooked beans, corn, squash, methi, spinach(greens) etc can be added.
nuts : cashews, walnuts, peanuts.
lentils : moong and urad dal - chana dal can be good addition.
In a pan, with little oil add - cumin seeds, turmeric(optional), grated ginger, chopped onion, Soaked (few minutes) moong and urad dal, carrot cubes, edamame. Add pinch of salt and some water, let it cook and water evaporate. Add nuts, precooked rice, lemon juice, salt and 1 tsp sugar. cover it and cook for 5 min. I mixed blanched broccoli at the end.
with some Blueberries.

Roo ate half of the rice and all blueberries.

baked vegetarian kibbeh, Salad with fruits

2009-11-02T12:27:00.000-08:00

Baked Vegetarian Kibbeh : Its a wholesome dish from Lebanese and middle eastern cuisine. 1 cup bulghur (cracked wheat) soaked in 2 cups hot water for an hour. I added 1 boiled potato 1/4 cup soaked Moong dal - crushed in blender with garlic, some Salt and 1/8 tsp Allspice (equal parts of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and black pepper grind to powder). Mix it all together(like making dough) and layer it in baking dish. For vegetables layer - In some oil add grated ginger and then I added chopped onions, grated carrots, turnip, squash, 2 boiled and cut potatoes, chopped methi(fenugreek leaves), 1 whole bunch of chopped swiss chard, chopped kale leaves, coriander leaves(cilantro), allspice, salt, 1 tsp sugar. In the baking dish with another bulghur layer...Baked for 30 - 40 minutes.
Variations : mix everything (bulghur+veggie) and make patties or fried/steamed balls.
Salad : lettuce, celery, grapes, strawberry, orange bites, some cheese, with balsamic vinaigrette [balsamic (any) vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper]. I reuse little honey jar for salad dressing. seals good. washes good.

Roo ate 3 kibbeh pieces and all the lettuce...she tried to dump the dressing on the salad and some dressing splashed on her shirt...she usually does it really good...
surprise to me is grapes and orange bites came back.

Moong dal pancake (uttapa) with chutney, Pomegranate seeds

2009-10-30T10:50:00.000-07:00

Moong Dal Pancake (spiced lentil pancakes) : Soak 1 cup of Moong dal overnight. make paste of 1 cm ginger piece, 1 green chili and corriander leaves(cilantro). In blender with some water blend everything so that dal is just crushed (not paste). In the batter I added grated carrots, grated acorn squash, grated turnip, some chopped spinach. On a nonstick pan with little oil make pancakes (uttapa).
With Chutney : Blend in blender mint leaves + roasted split gram dal + walnuts + yogurt + sugar+ salt.
Today is the most awaited day of the year - Halloween, so I cut it and decorated it as Smiley Pumpkin.
and some Pomegranate seeds : Roo likes to play fireworks in the mouth with seeds - hold the seed like pinch and press in the mouth closed. It splashes the pomegranate juice. Its a fun game.

Roo was dressed up as Sakagawea. The whole school celebrated dressing up as a historic character. She chose to be Sakagawea - Native american lady helped Lewis and Clark explorers.
Dressing up and halloween activities in the class or big pancake...Roo didn't eat much... she ate just half of pancake and thats it...even pomegranate seeds were untouched.

Pizza (whole wheat flour ) with vegetables, jicama carrots celery sticks, Grapes

2009-10-29T14:36:00.000-07:00

Pizza : 3 cups of whole wheat flour (not atta), 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon yeast, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 cup warm water. Mix yeast in water and wait for few minutes. Make dough.

{To make it easy in the evening I roll the dough thick in the morning into smaller circles (size of personal pizza) rub lots of oil on it and wrap in the aluminium foil and then keep in the warm place - It will make spongy pizza}

Keep the dough for rising in warm place [Turn the oven light on and keep for 6-8 hours]. This is what I did - In the morning before going to work I used to make the dough and keep it in the oven, when you come back home dough is ready for dinner pizza. heat the oven to 350. Roll the dough on aluminium foil and put your favorite toppings [take your kids help] and bake pizzas. Put some veggie sauce: For the pizza sauce chop, cook and blend the vegetables in blender. I used tomatoes, beetroot, some carrots, squash, rutabaga, spinach, sugar, salt, one garlic clove, dry basil.

Roo's favorite toppings are pineaple, mushroom and broccoli. Or use the readymade pizza/pasta sauce.
This homemade smiley pizza is made by Roo. She had fun making it and the excitement of making pizza ...oooohs ...aaaahhhs and never ending "Is it done yet?".
Jicama, Celery, Carrots with buttermilk ranch dressing : Jicama is crispy and sweet tasting root...Kids like it. And some Grapes.

I use Whole wheat floor for baking from any supermarket [not atta]. Here I used organic fine whole wheat flour from PCC natural markets. Trader joes has a good flour to start with untill kids get used to the dark color whole wheat flour. It is whole wheat flour made of light colored wheat grains.

Roo finished everything from this lunchbox except few carrot pieces.

Vegetarian Sushi, hummus with breadsticks, toothpick fruit kabobs

2009-10-28T13:40:00.000-07:00

Roo wanted to eat sushi. She is very picky with the strong smells - Raw fish...nope, seaweed...nope. We make it this way. She loved it. Its easy to make and eat in the lunchbox.
Vegetarian Sushi : I make rice (any rice for pressure cooker cooking) with rice vinegar, soy sauce and sugar added while cooking. By using parchment paper or cling wrap I mold it thick (it doesn't have nori/seaweed) so it will hold nicely. To this sushi I added grated carrots, strawberries, apple pieces, celery (all Roo's favorite things). wraped it...(phew...) refrigerate it for few hours. I cut it with sharp knife wiping it with damp cloth for every cut.
The rice made this way already has sweet-sour taste...It doesn't need any special sauce to dip. Just pick and eat.
Hummus with breadsticks .
with toothpick fruit kabobs : This is very exciting for kids. Roo wanted to make more during lunch by herself.

When I asked how was your lunch Roo told me - Fruit kabobs was the best part of lunch. Some hummus, 3 breadsticks and some crumbled rice came back in lunch :)

Spinach tortilla wrap (roll) with beans, veggies, cheese, Persimmon bites

2009-10-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

Spinach Tortilla Wrap : wash, cut, cook spinach just a little bit with little water and blend it in blender. I added some Swiss chard, one chopped garlic clove and salt while cooking. In this blended mixture I add fine whole wheat flour (atta) and make dough. I make phulake (roti/tortilla) and put some olive oil dots on it and rub it (it keeps tortilla soft).

I added grated carrots, chopped lettuce, cooked garbanzo beans, little onion, any cheese (feta, Parmesan), any salad dressing (buttermilk ranch/ balsamic vinaigrette). I try to add the dressing in between layers of veggies to avoid tortilla getting soggy. Wrap it with cling wrap. For kids its easy to eat peeling wrap like banana.

Persimmon fruit bites - this is eaten like apple, has different sweet flavor. I take its skin off for Roo.

Roo ate 1 and 1/2 roll and few persimmon pieces. Thats thumbs up

Pad Thai with Walnuts Peanuts and Roasted Split Gram Dal sauce, fruits

2009-10-26T10:43:00.000-07:00

Walnuts, Peanuts and Split Gram Dal Sauce : Blend 1/4 cup Walnuts, 1/4 cup peanuts, 1/2 cup roasted Split Gram Dal, 1 lime juice/ tamarind concentrate, 1 teaspoon soy sauce(optional), little more than 1 tablespoon sugar, salt, red chili powder in blender with little water.
***Roasted Split Gram Dal - available in any Indian grocery store - this is how it looks www.spicesofindia.co.uk/acatalog/Top-Op-Daria-Dal-Roasted-Split-Gram.html
Pad Thai Noodles - I used flat rice noodles [any noodles r great] mixed with above sauce and drizzle of olive oil. I added dry roasted tofu and blanched broccoli. You can add any of your kids favorite vegetables (For me I add sauteed bok choy, spinach, Swiss chard, cabbage, lettuce, carrots etc) I microwaved it for more than a minute and gave it in the hot lunch box.
with some grapes and strawberries.

This homemade pad thai is Roo's favorite with broccolli and tofu.

Roo ate everything from this lunch box. :)

Mexican rice with vegetables, fruits

2009-10-23T12:37:00.000-07:00

Mexican brown rice with vegetables : I used 2 garlic cloves, 1 medium size chopped onion, 3 tomatoes (from my backyard garden) -cooked it in little oil with salt and covered with lid. I added chopped vegetable pieces of squash, Rutabaga, broccoli stem, chopped swiss chard and spinach, some pinto beans, lemon juice, salt, coriander leaves(cilantro), dry oregano (optional), red chili powder, Soy sauce is the secret ingredient. I make Mexican rice with short grain brown rice 1 cup (any rice is good). For short grain brown rice I add lots of water and cook (for about 75 min - white rice will take 10-15 min) it in thick base iron pot - stirring it and adding water occasionally. I like this rice moist...not dry. I mix Blanch crisp broccoli in the moist rice before serving.
Adding different grains : I add whole grains like barley, farro, kamut to it. as they have same cooking time as brown rice.
Adding mexican blend cheese on warm rice...yummm... To me this rice has taste like pasta sauce. This is Roo's favorite dish - usually dinner and leftover for lunchbox. In hot lunch box it will be warm for lunch.
with some grapes and strawberries.

Roo ate all the fruits and 3/4th rice.

Healthy Dhokla diamonds with Veggies, Pomegranate seeds

2009-10-22T11:48:00.000-07:00

Healthy Dhokla : Soak 1 cup rice, 1/2 cup chana dal, 1/3 moong dal, 1/3 cup urad dal - overnight. Blend in a blender with some water and 1/3 cup yogurt. Keep in a warm place to ferment [Turn the oven light on and Keep it in the oven overnight]. I added some salt and finely grated - pumpkin, acorn squash, carrots, Rutabaga and green peas, edamame [Its a wonder veggie]. The secret Kid apealing ingredient in - is sugar. I poured the batter (1cm thick) in lightly oiled pot and steamed in the pressure cooker[took off the whistle]. [It can be done in a big pot with 1 inch of boiling water and batter poured in another small pot/cake pan and covered with lid.]
Cut into diamonds. with Pomegranate seeds.
usually Dhokla is made from Besan (garbanzo/chickpea flour). This Dhokla has urad dal and yogurt for fermentation.

Roo finished everything from this lunchbox :)

Stuffed Paratha with veggies, banana, grapes

2009-10-21T13:04:00.000-07:00

Stuffing : Finely chopped Swiss chard [It is one of the super foods], finely chopped Methi (Fenugreek leaves), cooked and mashed whole moong, salt, red chili powder, masala(spices optional). Mix and cook all the ingredients for 5 minutes.

Methi and Moong Stuffed Paratha : I made Whole wheat flour dough. If you know how to make stuffed paratha great! OR Roll the dough into thin tortilla. Half of the circle spread the stuffing and then fold the half over it. Roll it a little bit with rolling pin. Cook from both sides. OR you can buy uncooked/precooked whole wheat tortilla and make stuffed paratha.

I cut it into long triangles - easy to dip and eat with ketchup.

Banana, Grapes and Raspberries.

Nutritious Thalipeeth with mango chutney, Orange bites

2009-10-20T12:54:00.000-07:00

Nutritious Thalipeeth : It is a very popular Food from West part of India (Maharashtra). It is made from a special flour - Bhajani - which is a blend of roasted grains and variety of beans with some spices.
In my recipe I mix -
Flours : Jawar flour, bajri flour, ragi flour [variety of millets], buckwheat flour, besan (garbano beans/chickpea flour).
Beans : I switched the roasted beans in flour (bhajani) to soaked sprouted and blended version. Blend in blender soaked and sprouted whole moog, masoor (beans) [I like some beans taste in it so I didn't make it like paste]. You can roast beans and cook them before adding OR leftover beans/dal r great addition too.
Vegetables : Finely chopped onion, spinach, Methi [fenugreek leaves], grated cauliflower, grated carrots, grated bellpepper, corriander (cilantro).
Salt, red chili powder and any spice blend (masala)
all of the above to make a dough. If needed I add little water. I pat the dough to 3mm thickness (pancake) on the nonstick pan with little oil. Let it cook both sides by covering the lid.
Mango chutney : Blend in a blender mango pieces, grated onion, salt , sugar, red chili powder and lemon juice.
with some Orange bite size pieces.
I cut Thalipeet in to fun shaped bites. I also added the remaining thalipeet pieces - which make fantastic imaginary shapes for kids to figure out.

Roo ate untill the mango chutney finished...all imaginary shapes, fishes, birds were gone...that would be more than 1/2 and 4-5 orange bites.

Steamed veggie dumplings, Raspberries, brazil nuts

2009-10-19T12:31:00.000-07:00

Vegetable stuffing : I used following vegetables - thick grated carrots and cabbage, little chopped spinach, some chopped green string beans, finely chopped Chauli string beans[ long thin black eyed string beans available in Indian stores], chopped lima beans with Rice vinegar+ sesame oil + soy sauce + sugar + salt and some chili oil. I cooked it for few minutes keeping the vegetables crisp so that it will taste like vegetables in Chinese spring rolls.

Steamed veggie dumplings : Chinese potsticker dumplings are usually made from rice flour /all purpose flour (maida) dough. I used 1 as to 1 ratio of whole wheat flour + nachani flour (ragi/millet). Also added some soy flour and milk to make the dough. I made small thin flat tortillas (roti) then stuffed the stuffing and closed the edges. I cooked these potsticker dumplings by Steaming for 8-10 minutes.

with Dipping Sauce, some Raspberries and 3 raw Brazil nuts. These nuts have high amounts of antioxidents and high calories. Eating variety of nuts in moderation can give you array of heart healthy compounds.

Roo helped me make the dipping sauce by mixing Ketchup and soy sauce. She ate one dumpling in the morning and as soon as she finished it - she said "NI HAO" thats Hi in chinese :)

One dumpling and 2 brazil nuts came back in the lunch box...everything else was all eaten :)

Beetroot tortilla with pineapple jam, sprouted moth beans, jackfruit

2009-10-16T10:47:00.000-07:00

Beetroot tortilla with pineapple jam : Beetroot gives a magnificent color. I cooked beetroot for few minutes with little water and made paste in the blender. Added whole wheat flour to the paste and made Phulake (Tortilla/Roti). Put some olive oil to keep it soft and cut the circular edges (can be hard to chew). I made Roll first by spreading some almond butter (just a layer so tortilla will not be soggy) and then layer of thick Pineapple jam.
pineapple jam : This homemade jam is easy to make - I grated big whole pieces of pineapple from food processor, added some sugar and let it boil and thickened. Refrigerate and use for few weeks...It is so tasty it won't last for long.
sprouted Moth beans (Matki) : These are tasty beans. Roo loves to snack on them. [may be because She sees me eating the plain sprouted ones...Children learn what they live.]
and Jackfruit (Phanas) : Its a very flavorful fruit real yummy treat to your senses. It tastes like fruit cocktail - flavors of Pineapple+strawberry+peach fused together.

I like berry jams on bread and Pineapple/mango jams on tortilla. To my taste berry jams don't go well with poli/roti/paratha.

Roo ate 1 roll, all sprouted beans(matki) and strawberry. She didn't eat Jackfruit...she said now she doesn't like it.

Indian style Pasta with spinach, Tofu with sambar masala

2009-10-15T10:08:00.000-07:00

Today photo didn't come out so well. I turned off the flash and trusted way too much on our bright/cloudy Seattle weather. Morning time is such a rush time.

I took Chakolya for lunch to work. My american co-worker loved the smell of it coming out of the microwave...so I offered it...When I was explaining the recipe she said its pasta ...Indian style pasta!

Indian style pasta : Chakolya (Dal Dhokli/Varan phal)with spinach : It is made from Tur dal (lentils curry sauce) with fresh pasta made from whole wheat dough. To its regular recipe I added little chopped spinach to the Varan (Lentils curry sauce). For the dough I mixed whole wheat flour + Nachani flour (Ragi/millet flour) + besan (garbanzo beans flour) + salt + turmeric with some milk and water. Roll the dough and cut into small thin square shaped fresh pasta. Let it cook for 15 minutes.

Sambar masala Tofu : dry roast the tofu and sprinkle with some salt + sambar powder + lemon juice...this is my personal favorite. Roo likes it too.

I gave it in hot lunch box (inside is stainless steel) so it will be warm for lunch. Roo loves it very much.

She ate all the tofu and 3/4 of Chakolya.

Upma bites with vegetables, grapes

2009-10-14T11:13:00.000-07:00

Upma with vegetables : Dry roast Rava (Cream of wheat). I used very little oil for mustard seeds,curry leaves and onions to cook. I added additional vegetables and nuts to the original upma recipe. thinly grated - carrots, navalkol (kohlrabi), squash (bhopala). For the crunch I added walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, cashews. I also added soaked Urad dal and Moong dal (lentils).
Upma Bites : Pat hot upma in a plate to the desired bite thickness and cut checks pattern with knife. Let it cool and bite size pieces are ready for the lunchbox. Make fun shapes that your kid loves...I made butterflies, flowers and hearts for this lunchbox :)
and grapes, strawberries on the side.
This upma is very healthy and wholesome with addition of Dals, Nuts and Vegetables. Bite size makes it easy for kids to eat. Fun shapes creates the excitement for lunch.

Roo ate 1/2 of Upma and all the fruits. Roo liked the different nuts and sunflower seeds taste in upma.

M&C Pizza with veggies, Fruits

2009-10-13T10:58:00.000-07:00

What would you like on your pizza? Every kid has their own personal favorites about what can go on pizza. Mac and cheese pizza! ...well we tried it...you can try too.

Mac and cheese pizza on the honey whole wheat bread : Make M&C as per package instructions. On the pan warm the bread with M&C and vegetables with cover. I used broccoli florets and mushroom slices. You can add fruits to it too.
with some grapes and strawberry.
Roo has been excited the whole morning to eat and show off her lunchbox in the class today.

Spaghetti with veggie sauce, roasted whole Chana

2009-10-12T11:22:00.000-07:00

2 yrs back, when I was making spaghetti with tomato sauce (store bought)...Roo [my 6 yr old] was in preschool that time. She told me -Tomato is not a vegetable...its a fruit. Something that she learned in her school. This is her very favorite dish so I had to modify this fruit sauce... That's how I came up with recipe of veggie sauce.

Spaghetti (whole wheat) pasta with veggie+tomato sauce : cook the pasta and mix it with veggie sauce. I added broccoli florets and sliced mushrooms. Sprinkle some cheese. You can add store bought pasta sauce + veggie sauce to it.

Visible vegetables : you can see these and are your kids favorite. here I added mushrooms and broccoli (my kids fav ones). I have seen kids love cauliflower, peas etc.
Invisible vegetables in veggie sauce: You can't see them. They are in the sauce. Cut, cook and blend in a blender all the vegetables - tomatoes (more qty), beetroot, spinach, pumpkin (lal bhopala), basil (tulsi leaves) [Don't be a greedy mommy...try little vegetables and more tomatoes for the first time].

Kala chana (belongs to the Garbanzo beans family) : Soak beans overnight. Let them sprout for few hours. On a nonstick pan add little oil and roast the beans. Add Salt + Pepper + Spices (any masala) as per your taste.
This is a yummy snack... Make it for the family movie night than the packaged popcorn.

Roo ate 3/4 of spagetti and all the beans from this lunch box. Her classmates loved its color and one said It must be from the restaurant...[why facination of outside food???]

Idly sandwich, green tur beans and squash with oregano, strawberries

2009-10-08T11:13:00.000-07:00

Idly Sandwich : Cut idly vertically making 2 circles. If you want good circles -take 2 idlies cut the sherical portion of each idly (will be inside of the sandwich). Fill the chutney (lots of) in between idly/idlies.
Chutney -I make this chutney thick and sweeter. In a blender mix mint leaves, Daal (raosted split gram), sugar, lemon juice, salt. (you can mix little yogurt).

Idly batter is made ahead of time. You can buy ready batter from any Indian store. Soak 3 cups of rice and 1 cup of Urad dal (Black lentils) plus any lentils can be mixed for few hours. Grind all in a blender (like pancake batter) and keep it in warm place for fermentation [Turn the light on of your conventional oven and keep it overnight. Thats how much warm it needs to ferment]. Refrigerate it and enjoy for a week.

Green tur(pigeon pea) beans and butternut squash with herbs : In little olive oil put some oregano(any herbs or little spices). Put small cut squash, beans, salt and cook them for 4-5 mins by covering it with lid.

I got tur(pigeon pea) beans from frozen section. Frozen beans are very easy to cook in the morning.

Butternut squash has this kid apealing mild and sweet taste. It cooks in few mins.

with some strawberries.

Variations : I tried jam in between idlies (idlies r slippery for jam) but didn't work in the lunchbox. Thick hummus(with flaxmeal) worked really good.

Roo ate 3 sandwiches, some beans and few squash bites and all strawberries. Thats good enough lunch for a first grader. It depends on the kid and day activities. kids also eat more during their growth-spike and less otherwise.

buckwheat noodles with vegetables, grapes

2009-10-07T11:37:00.000-07:00

Buckwheat noodles : These Japanese soba noodles are made with wheat + buckwheat flour. I go for the more buckwheat content in soba noodles. trader joes/uwajimaya have good collection.

In a pan with some sesame oil + olive oil cook some garlic, onions with little salt and lid (makes it cook in little oil rather than frying). I added grated carrots (thick, long), spinach, cabbage, celery(thinly cut), 1tbs rice vinegar, 1tbs soy souce,1tbs sugar, salt. cook for 2 minutes (crispy vegetables taste good in noodles). Add more vinegar, soy souce, sugar, red chili powder/chili sauce according to your taste. Mix it with cooked noodles (cook as per package instructions). Warm or Cold - they taste yummy to me either way.

Ruta decorated her lunch with magic sprinkles (sesame seeds). She tasted it in the morning and gave me one thumbs up.

with some grapes.

Ruta ate 1/2 of the noodles and all grapes. She didn't like "some orange things" cabbage in it.

Shabudana (tapioca) cutlet with sweet potato, broccolli, fruits

2009-10-06T11:28:00.000-07:00

Shabudana cutlet : Soak the shabudana overnight [Rinse the shabudana and keep little water in it]. Shabudana - tapioca pearls come from root starch so they are high in carbohydrates. Boil sweet potatoes. Mix it with some Rajgira (Amaranth) flour. Amaranth grains are high in protein. They have very light and nutty flavor. I added some chopped walnuts, salt, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander (cilantro) leaves and little water to make patties. I cooked the cutlets from both sides in a non stick pan and lid and used very little oil.
This is a kids favorite cutlet and made on religious fasting days in India.
broccolli with ranch (white dressing didn't come very well in the picture) and some strawberries.

Ruta ate everything from this lunchbox.

Quesadilla with vegetables, cucumber sticks and fruits

2009-10-05T11:50:00.000-07:00

Quesadilla : 1 cup whole wheat flour + 2/4 cup Nachani flour [Ragi/Millet has a very high protein content for a grain] + pinch of salt. I used milk to make dough. Make Rotis [tortillas] and cook them less from one side which will be the outer side of quesadilla. I used spinach, sliced mushrooms, grated carrots, grated red and orange bell peppers and little cheese as a binder. I cut the edges and snack on them. This is my personal favorite dish.
cucumber sticks, strawberries and grapes on the side.

Ruta is learning to trick us by saying opposite things...maybe its a 6 yr old thing. I asked her how was your lunch today and she said "I didn't like it (with a pause and naughty look)...I Loved it ... I finished it all except the cucumbers". She doesn't like certain vegetables...I guess everybody is a picky eater in their own way.

Pita bread pizza with vegetables, cantaloupe

2009-10-02T11:49:00.000-07:00

Pita bread pizza with vegetables : On the whole wheat pita bread put layers of grated vegetables [I used carrots, cauliflower, red and yellow bell pepper], cheese, dots of pasta sauce and sliced mushrooms. cut into triangles.

and some cantaloupe bites.

I always try the recipe at home with Ruta before giving it in the lunchbox. For this recipe Ruta suggested strawberries on top...and it tastes delicious.

Pohay with vegetables, marinated and roasted tofu

2009-10-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

Pohay : [pohay is flattened/beaten white/brown rice]. Peas, boiled sweet potato(potato), Onions, green coriander leaves and spices makes it fragrant and mild flavored kids all time favorite.

Tofu : Roasted on pan with soy ginger flavored marinade. Ruta loves this tofu and gives it 10 thumbs up (that means best). She learned it after reading two thumbs up on movie DVD cover.

Pancake puffs with grated vegetables, peach bites

2009-09-30T10:02:00.000-07:00

Pancake Puffs : I used multi-grain pancake mix and light flavored vegetables like carrots (lots of), sunchokes[kind of a root and has very light and nutty flavor like sunflower seeds], little sweet potato etc. In a hot appam pan (pancake puff pan) with little oil/butter add spoonful of batter. Cook puffs from both sides by turning over.

Eating different kinds of puffs is fun. Here I made 3 kinds of puffs for this lunchbox - M&M, cheese and pasta sauce, strawberry jam.

and some Peach bites in a small bowl covered with cling wrap.

Vegetable cutlets with rice and cheese, ketchup, fruit

2009-09-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

Vegetable cutlets : boil the sweet potato, cook and mash kidney beans (rajma) (any kind of beans like moong, masoor, lima etc), grate carrots, grate some cauliflower, grate bell pepper [flesh will grate and skin will come off], finely chopped swiss chard (any green leaves), cooked rice (brown rice), little grated cheese (any kind), salt, some grated ginger and chopped coriander leaves (cilantro).
Mix all the vegetables in a bowl. Use more vegetables , little rice and little bit of sweet potato as a binder. Make thick Patties. coat pattie with egg white (optional) and sooji (or breadcrumbs). Use nonstick pan with little oil to cook the patties.
[this is the only way Ruta eats bell pepper and cauliflower.]
with ketchup and some apple slices.

Dosa roll with vegetables, lima beans, grapes

2009-09-28T11:58:00.000-07:00

Vegetables for stuffing: In a pan heat some olive oil. Add some cumin seeds, turmeric, very little masala (any spices), Add finely chopped onions with pinch of salt [helps onions cook with less oil] and stir it until cooked. Add cut and boiled potato, grated carrots, grated cauliflour, salt, sugar and coriander leaves(cilantro).

Dosa roll : The batter is made ahead of time. Soak 3 cups of rice and 1 cup of Urad dal (Black lentils) plus any lentils can be mixed for few hours. Grind all in a blender (like pancake batter) and keep it in warm place for fermentation. Refrigerate it and enjoy for a week.

In the batter add some salt and little warm water. On a hot pan make it like crepes. make it little thick so it will be easy to make roll. Roll it with vegetables. wrap it in a cling wrap.

Lima beans : Boil frozen lima beans in hot water with some salt.

And grapes.

Hummus and pita bread, veggies, fruit

2009-09-25T08:41:00.000-07:00

Hummus : Soak for few hours and Cook the garbanzo beans (chole) in pressure cooker for few minutes. Blend all the ingredients in a blender - For 2 cups of cooked beans add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (tahini paste), salt, cilantro (coriander) [little flaxmeal and very little garlic optional], and some water. Refrigerate and enjoy for a week.
Whole wheat pita bread : [whole wheat bread/ bhakri (thick bread made from Jawar,Rice,Millet flour)/ Naan - tastes good with hummus].
Vegetables : Broccolli and celery with Ranch drops. [vegetables washed with hot water]
and some grapes.

Kids love to spread by themselves while eating but for younger kids you can spread hummus in between pita bread.

Bread pizza with veggies and cheese, fruits

2009-09-24T09:54:00.000-07:00

Bread pizza : On a multigrain bread slice spread grated carrots, chopped green leaves (spinach, swiss chard r my favorite as they come fresh from my backyard vegetable garden), any cheese (here I used mexican blend and little parmesan cheese) and sauce drops (pasta/pizza sauce, ketchup works too).

On a nonstick pan cook the slices under cover (pan oven) for few minutes until cheese melts.

some grapes and apple slices.

Mac and cheese with vegetables, Fruit

2009-09-23T11:27:00.000-07:00

Mac and cheese : Cook the macaroni. To make cheese I use milk. Mix it together as usual.

Vegetables : Wash the brocolli in hot water and soak it in the another batch of hot water . [its better than raw or cooked.] Drain it. Season it with some salt and pepper. Mix it with pasta.

Cauliflower/corn blends in with mac and cheese. Green peas are great too. Your kids any favorite veggie.

and Pear :

Homemade ravioli filled with vegetables and cheese, salad

2009-09-22T13:21:00.000-07:00

Ravioli pasta :(it means to wrap) Make dough from whole wheat flour, egg and some salt. [This dough should be made little harder].
Filling for ravioli : Grated carrots + grated yellow squash + grated cauliflower + grated bell pepper (skin stayes out as u grate) - squeeze out the vegetables water after grating - I use it to make dough. In spoon ful oil add dry herbs (oregano and basil), then the grated veggies, finely grated nutmeg turn of the heat and add parmesan cheese.

Roll the dough into 2 separate thin sheets (chapatis). put the filling on one and cover with another. Press all the way around the filling and cut it with pizza cutter. [its easier than making pieces and then working with it.]

Boil the water and then cook pasta in it. Fresh pasta cooks in 5-8 minutes.

Sprinkle some dry herb-cheese blend with olive oil and shredded cheese. Add some salt and pepper as per taste.

Salad : Lettuce leaves, cucumber, celery and apple bites with dressing.

Fun shaped spinach rava (sooji) (samolina) utappa bites with chutney, beans, fruit

2009-09-22T04:56:00.000-07:00

Chutney : In a blender mix some yogurt, cilantro (coriander), mint leaves, tofu (any kind), [Dal (roasted split gram) - gives the crunch], sugar (a little more) and salt. you can add green chillies as per ur taste buds. This kind of chutney is usually made with coconut and peanuts. I switched it to Dal (roasted split gram) and little tofu.

Fun shaped bites : Soak rava (sooji) (Samolina) and little rice flour in yogurt and water. whisk it together until it looks like pancake batter. Let it soak for few minutes. [Soak it overnight for the next morning lunch]. before making add salt, chopped spinach, turmeric (for color - optional).

Use a nonstick pan with some oil and make it like uttapa or pancake - spread batter a little with spoon after pouring on the pan. Keep the size small at first. cover it for a minute. open and and wait for a minute before turning to the other side.

cut the fun shapes into bite size pieces...I use small cookie cutters.

Garbanzo Beans : cook with salt added in water in the pressure cooker for few minutes.

Peach bites.

Carrot poli (tortilla) roll with chutney, Edmame, kiwi and strawberry

2009-09-21T12:31:00.000-07:00

Carrot poli (chapati) roll - take few raw baby carrots [15 baby carrots for 6 tortillas] in a blender. Blend them with some water and some salt until paste. make the dough with whole wheat flour and the pureed carrots.

Roll the dough into circle and dry roast it on the pan. Take it out and put some olive oil (ghee). Sprinkle it with chutney and wrap it with a cling wrap.

For kids its easy while eating - peel the wrap like banana and eat.

Dry Chutney - In a mixer mix the ingredients - flaxmeal, walnuts, almonds, peanuts, garlic, red chili powder and salt, .

Edmame - Frozen beans boil with water and sprinkle some salt.

Strawberries and Kiwi.

PBJ sandwich with grated carrots and fruits

2009-09-19T17:00:00.000-07:00

Sandwich - PBJ (Peanut butter and Jam) on the honey whole wheat bread with thinly grated carrots sliced apples/banana/strawberries.

Cut into smaller triangles for easy eating. This is the way my kid way :)

Some small pieces of Orange.

Pasta (whole wheat) with swiss chard, garlic and cheese, Tofu

2009-09-19T15:46:00.000-07:00

Pasta : fry chopped garlic with olive oil. Put some finely chopped Swiss chard cover it for 30 seconds and then put cooked whole wheat pasta. top it with parmesan cheese.
Easy to eat with fork for kids.
Salad/Snack on the side :)

Heart-shape Sandwich,Tofu,Strawberries

2009-09-19T13:29:00.000-07:00

Basil pesto - I added spinach (equal quantity as basil) to the pesto recipe. I switched walnuts in place of pine nuts...(realizing walnuts are cheaper and healthier than pine nuts).
Sandwich - basil pesto and sliced cucumbers on the honey whole wheat bread. cut into heart shape.
Tofu - firm tofu dry roasted on the pan with some salt and pepper.
Vegetables - broccolli and celery with ranch drops on it.
some Strawberries.