Winter, of course, is a very delightful season with cold days, warm sweaters and rich meals. This is the best time to begin putting more nutritious foods on your table, which will improve your well-being and strengthen your immune system. Sathumaavu, a nutritious mixture of multigrain flours that is mostly utilised in South Indian homes, is one such superfood.
The ideal combination of millets, pulses, and nuts in Sathumaavu has long been recognised for its health advantages, which include enhanced immunity and digestive health; it is a great option for developing kids because of its high fibre content, vitamins, and minerals. Kids are very picky when it comes to food, so it will be helpful to transform healthy, wholesome food into dishes that they can enjoy.
These recipes give new concepts of using this nutritious flour in an effort to offer tasty foods enjoyed by children and, at the same time, feed them on some nutrient-dense foods during the winter season. These dishes, which range from morning favourites to nighttime snacks, help kids enjoy eating healthily.
Sathumaavu Porridge
A satisfying breakfast choice that is easy to make and nutrient-dense is Sathumaavu porridge. Start by lightly toasting a handful of Sathumaavu flour in a pot. Its flavour and scent are improved as a result. Then, gradually add milk or water, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture over medium heat until the composition turns smooth and thick. Consider adding a pinch of salt or sugar to taste for an additional flavour boost. For extra texture and nutrients, you can also top this oatmeal with a sprinkle of nuts and seeds or with fruits like apples or bananas. Since this recipe can be adjusted according to the child’s preference, this is a wonderful way to incorporate this healthy flour to their diet.
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Sathumaavu Ragi Waffles
A healthy take on classic waffles, Sathumaavu Ragi Waffles, are ideal for breakfast or as a snack. In a bowl, combine Sathumaavu flour, baking powder, ragi (finger millet), and a bit of salt to make the batter. Combine milk, melted butter, and honey or another preferred sweetener in a separate bowl. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry components gradually until they are smooth and well blended. Pour the batter into the greased sections of the waffle maker after it has been preheated. Bake until the waffles are firm externally and golden brown in colour. These waffles are best taken when accompanied by yoghurt, fresh fruits or even a spoonful of maple syrup. In this recipe gives a clear insight that a healthy meal does not necessarily mean it cannot taste good.
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Sathumaavu Dumplings
For children who enjoy their meals in a more playful manner, Sathumaavu Dumplings are one of the easiest and most appealing foods! Sathumaavu flour and hot water are combined to form the dumpling dough, which is then kneaded into a soft, flexible consistency. Give the dough a few minutes to rest. Prepare a stuffing you can fry finely chopped vegetables with spices, bell peppers, peas, carrots and other food that you love. Place a tablespoon of the veggie filling in the middle of the dough after it has been slightly flattened into little balls. To make a dumpling, carefully wrap the dough around the filling. The dumplings are best fried or steam-boiled till they are thoroughly done and only slightly golden. Kids might be encouraged to eat more vegetables by serving these little snacks with dipping sauces.
Sathumaavu Choco Chip Cookies
Allow your children to take some time and savour the tastiest Sathumaavu Choco Chip Cookies, where you get the best of both taste and nutrition. Melted butter, brown sugar, and a small amount of vanilla extract are added to a base of Sathumaavu flour. Mix in an egg to bind the ingredients together. To make tempting cookie dough, gradually incorporate it in chocolate chips. After forming the dough into little balls and gently flattening them, arrange them on a baking dish that has been prepared. Bake in an oven that has been prepared until they are gorgeously golden brown. These cookies are ideal snacks that can be enjoyed during winter because of the tasty chocolate flavour and the health value of the Sathumaavu flour. As a post-meal dessert or for school lunch boxes, they are ideal for making sure your kids have a sweet surprise.
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Sathumaavu Cutlet
Sathumaavu Cutlets can be given to children to enjoy a crispy, savoury dish while you include vegetables in there. After the potatoes have been boiled and mashed, combine them with the cooked peas, carrots, and seasonings such as turmeric and cumin. To improve the taste, add finely chopped herbs like coriander. For added crunch, coat each of the little patties you formed with a mixture of bread crumbs and Sathumaavu flour. In a small amount of oil, pan-fry the cutlets until each side has a golden-brown crust. You can serve these cutlets with yoghurt or ketchup for dipping. They should be tried during the winter because apart from being healthy, they make great finger foods for children to be early adopters of vegetables.
Sathumaavu Paratha
A dish that can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner is Sathumaavu Paratha. First, make a soft dough by combining Sathumaavu flour, a pinch of salt, and adequate water. Let the dough rest while you make your preferred filling, like spicy lentils, paneer, or mashed potatoes. Place a tablespoon of filling in the middle of little circles formed by rolling out small sections of dough, then fold the edges over to enclose the filling. To create a flatbread, gently roll the filled dough. Add a little oil or ghee to the heated tava and cook the parathas till golden brown on both sides. Serve chutney, pickles, or yoghurt alongside these parathas.
Sathumaavu Halwa
Enjoy a bowl of Sathumaavu Halwa to round off the day; it's a delectable treat that will leave your kids wanting more. To start, toast the Sathumaavu flour in a skillet until it becomes golden and smells nutty. Add the roasted flour gradually to boiling water or milk in a different saucepan, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add sugar and a liberal amount of ghee to the thickened liquid and mix thoroughly until smooth. For more flavour, you can also add cardamom powder. Add chopped nuts or dried fruits for more depth. Enjoy the happy looks on your kids' faces as you serve this warm halwa in bowls and top with nuts.
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You can make sure your children enjoy tasty meals and welcome a winter full of health and well-being with these seven filling and nourishing recipes made with Sathumaavu.