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Beetroots are nutritious. They are also versatile and can be incorporated into various dishes for children. Children often find the bright red colour of beetroot appealing. The fact that their hands become red when they touch it or that the rice and bread get coloured when in contact with beetroot makes the food visually exciting for children. Even simple dishes can be turned into enticing treats.
Photo Credit: Freepik
Beetroot is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The natural sweetness of beetroot helps in reducing the need for added sugars, making these dishes both nutritious and tasty. This sweetness also makes beetroot dishes more palatable, especially for children who may be picky eaters. The flavour is also generally mild enough to blend well with other ingredients without overpowering them. It’s easy to add to dishes without drastically changing the overall taste.
Also Read: 5 Quick Hacks To Remove Beetroot Stains Easily
There are a whole bunch of dishes, both sweet and savoury, in which beetroot can be incorporated. From beetroot pancakes and smoothies to hummus and pasta, the versatility of beetroot allows it to easily be added to dishes that kids already love.
Whether it's grated in a salad, blended into a smoothie, or sliced in a sandwich, it can be prepared in different shapes and textures, adding an element of fun to meals. A fun way to get kids excited to eat beetroot is by Involving them in the preparation of some of these dishes. They can be involved in simple tasks such as mixing, assembling and decorating so that they want to eat what they have created. Here are some easy recipes to try with them.
Beetroot Pancakes
Video Credit: Keshree Foods
In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the beetroot puree, egg, milk, and sugar. Then, combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix until the batter is smooth. Heat a non-stick pan and grease it lightly with butter. Pour a small amount of batter onto the pan and cook until bubbles form on the surface. Flip the pancake and cook it until golden brown on both sides. While the beetroot already adds some natural sweetness to the pancakes, you can serve the pancakes with honey or maple syrup if the kids like it sweeter.
Beetroot Hummus
Photo Credit: Freepik
Kids usually like hummus, and adding beetroot to it makes it prettier. It is also easy to make. In a food processor, blend roasted beetroot until it is smooth and pasty. Add chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and salt. Blend it all together till it is creamy. This also makes for a fun lunch box item where you can pack it along with carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or pita bread and even use it as a filling in a sandwich.
Beetroot And Cheese Sandwich
Another easy recipe for the beetroot sandwich is to mix cream cheese and mayonnaise in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spread the mixture on the bread slices. Place the beetroot slices and lettuce leaves on one slice and cover it with another slice. Cut them into small, kid-friendly pieces for an evening snack or a lunch box.
Beetroot Pasta
This is a full meal and can be both healthy and fun. Boil the pasta till it’s cooked. Heat some olive oil in a pan and sauté the garlic till it becomes aromatic. Cut and puree the beetroot and then cook it for a few minutes. Add the cooked pasta and mix it well. Add some grated cheese and wait till it melts. Season the beetroot salad with salt and pepper.
Beetroot And Apple Salad
This sweet salad is something kids may like. Grate beetroots and apples separately. In a bowl, mix the grated beetroot and apple. Add some yoghurt, honey, and salt. Mix everything up well and serve it alongside the main meal.
Beetroot Popsicles
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Which kid can say no to popsicles? These popsicles are simple to make and can make children love beetroots. Puree the beetroot. Mix it with orange juice and honey in a bowl. Pour the mixture into popsicle moulds and freeze them till they are solid. Unmold the healthy frozen treats the next day.
Beetroot Parathas
Give the regular parathas a twist, as kids get bored easily. Puree the beetroot. Then, in a bowl, mix the flour, beetroot puree, cumin seeds, and salt. Add water gradually to form a soft dough. Divide the dough into small balls and roll them into flat circles. Cook the parathas on a hot tava with a little oil or ghee until golden brown on both sides, and serve them with yoghurt.
