Chefs Share Easy Recipes To Try During Kids’ Summer Vacation

With the rising temperatures in the months of June and July, schools and universities keep extending the summer vacation till the weather calms down. And the long summer vacations and kids getting bored have been stated enough by the Disney cartoon, Phineas and Ferb. So, what’s a better way to keep the kids occupied than by engrossing them in the kitchen?

Depending on the age group, you can whip up some snacks with your children and have a fun cooking time together. From no-fire recipes like bhel puri to the all-time favourite pizza, made in a pan, here are some easy dishes you can try this summer vacation. Specially curated by Chef Riya Dey, the Sous Chef of Banquet 18, you can follow these quick steps and make your evening interesting.

Bhel Puri

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups puffed rice (murmura) 
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped onion
  • 3–4 tbsp chopped tomato
  • 3–4 tbsp boiled potato, cubed
  • 2 tbsp chopped coriander
  • 2 tbsp roasted peanuts
  • Pinch salt, chaat masala, and optional amchur powder
  • 10 papdi or crushed puris
  • ¼ cup of sev

Chutneys:

  • 1–2 tbsp green coriander–mint chutney
  • 1–2 tbsp sweet tamarind chutney
  • Optional: spicy red garlic chutney or red chilli powder

Instructions:

  1. Toss puffed rice with a little turmeric, chilli powder, roasted peanuts, masala chana dal, sev, crushed papdi, chaat masala, kala namak, and sugar.
  2. Combine puffed rice, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, coriander, and peanuts in a large bowl.
  3. Pour in green and tamarind chutneys (start small and taste). 
  4. Add red garlic chutney or chilli powder for heat.
  5. Add chaat masala, black salt (kala namak), amchur, and squeeze fresh lemon juice. Mix gently.
  6. Garnish with sev and cilantro. Serve immediately to keep that irresistible crunch

Home-Style Pan Pizza

Ingredients:

  • 2.25 teaspoons instant yeast 
  • 3.5 cups all-purpose flour 
  • 1.25 cup warm water 
  • 1 teaspoon sugar 
  • 1 teaspoon salt 
  • Toppings: tomato sauce, mozzarella, peppers, olives, pepperoni 

Instructions:

  1. Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar; let sit 5 minutes. 
  2. Mix in flour and salt; knead into a smooth ball. 
  3. Let rise for 1 hour. 
  4. Roll into a pizza base, add tomato sauce, mozzarella, and toppings. 
  5. Bake at 220°C for 15 minutes or until crispy.

Classic Grilled Burger 

Ingredients:

  • 500g ground chicken 
  • 1 small diced onion 
  • Salt, pepper to taste 
  • 4 burger buns 
  • Toppings (cheddar, tomato, pickle, lettuce)

Instructions:

  1. Combine ground beef with diced onion, and season with salt and pepper. 
  2. Shape into 4 patties. 
  3. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side. 
  4. Toast the buns and stack with cheddar, tomato, pickle, and lettuce.