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The challenge with raising the nutritional value of childrens’ meals starts off with the limited number of foods that they are willing to try at an early age. Hence, masking healthy ingredients by way of visually appealing and interesting varieties of foods becomes the goal to making meals kid-friendly. To illustrate better, the earthy-sweet root vegetable like beetroot isn’t typically something you’d find a child eat willingly, however, due to its multiple health benefits, becomes important to include in their diet. Read on to see a few ways in which you can incorporate the pink root vegetable in everyday meals or snacks.
Beetroot Hummus
Blending boiled beetroot with standard hummus ingredients to make a vibrant and nutritious dip is a great way for kids to enjoy a snack or lunchbox when paired with fresh pita bread or vegetable sticks. This high-protein, low-calorie snack is a powerhouse of energy and also easy to eat, making it ideal for toddlers and kids to enjoy its creamy smooth texture and mellow flavours.
Beetroot Chips
Children are always reaching out for a snack in-between meals so it’s always easy to swap the junk with delicious slices of fresh beetroot air fried with a drizzle of olive oil and seasoning. These crunchy and nutrient-dense chips use up lesser oil than potato chips from a packet, contain no preservatives and can be made in small batches as and when your kids demand a delicious snack to munch on.
Beet & Cheese Quesadillas
Adding pureed beetroot to chapati dough while kneading can be a great way to add a pop of colour as well as amplify the nutrient density of regular rotis – making them much healthier than tortillas made with all-purpose flour. Sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheese and fold over before toasting on a hot pan. Experiment with fun fillings like rajma or garlicky mushrooms if your child has an adventurous palate and serve the quesadillas with salsa or guacamole.
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Beetroot Pasta Sauce
Image Credits: Hippopx
Sneaking vegetables that your child wouldn’t eat otherwise, into meals requires a special kind of talent; and this beetroot pasta is the answer to every parent’s concern. Blending boiled beetroot with tomatoes, garlic and herbs makes a bright pink pasta sauce that serves as the ideal base for spaghetti, fusilli or even millet-based noodles, that you can serve with lots of grated parmesan for a salty contrast.
Beetroot Popsicles
Summer is fast-approaching and this only means that popsicles are back to provide relief on a scorching day! Make a batch of deliciously pink popsicles using a puree of beetroot, yoghurt, honey or maple syrup for a sugar-free treat that is sure to have your kids coming back for more. Add a spritz of lemon juice or sliced fruit into your popsicle if you want to make the flavours more complex and diverse.
Beetroot Pancakes
Breakfast being one of the most important meals of the day, also becomes crucial in providing the boost of energy and nourishment that is necessary for children to get through without experiencing a slump in energy. Add grated beetroot to regular pancake batter for a colourful breakfast that will lift their spirits and get them excited about enjoying this sweet treat with maple syrup and berries.
