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This Republic Day, think of creative tricolour dishes that will be loved by kids! You may not have access to foods that are saffron, white, and green but you can always improvise. Consider seasonal veggies which can make the recipes more nutritious. For example, think of using carrots, beans, and purple cabbage in a veggie pulao, or think of a fruit chaat where you can use colourful fruits like oranges, apples, bananas etc.
Even in dishes like idli, it’s easy to infuse a tricolour base with coconut chutney and mint chutney; the idea is to avoid artificial food colours and stick to natural veggies, fruits, chutneys and purees which are not just tasty but also healthy for kids. Here are a few kid-friendly tricolour recipes you should try to make for Republic Day
Tricolour Sandwiches
A simple and versatile option, tricolour sandwiches can be customized to include a variety of ingredients. Use whole wheat bread for the base. For the saffron layer, add a spread of tangy mango chutney or a slice of ripe mango. The white layer can consist of paneer or a spread of creamy yoghurt, and the green layer can be achieved with a generous serving of mint chutney or spinach spread. The well-rounded sandwich combines vibrant colours with essential nutrients and is the perfect teatime snack!
Vegetable Pulao
A tricolour vegetable pulao is a nutritious one-pot meal. Use saffron-infused rice by adding a pinch of turmeric or saffron strands. Mix in white vegetables like cauliflower and potatoes for the middle layer, and incorporate green peas and spinach for the green layer. The blend of aromatic spices and colourful vegetables makes this dish a hit among kids, offering a balanced combination of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Tri-Dal Delight
Create a tricolour dal by combining three different types of lentils, each representing one colour of the flag. Masoor dal which is also known as red lentils can be used for the saffron layer, while yellow chana dal can stand in for the white layer. For the green layer, use moong dal or green gram. This tricolour dal not only provides a variety of proteins but also showcases the diversity of Indian lentils.
Fruit Chaat
Nothing works better than a vibrant tricolour fruit chaat as a refreshing and healthy snack for kids. Incorporate orange fruits like papaya or mango for the saffron layer, add white fruits such as banana or apple slices for the middle layer, and top it off with green grapes or kiwi for the green layer. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chaat masala can enhance the flavour, creating a delightful and nutritious fruit medley.
Tricolour Idlis
Idlis can easily be transformed into a tricolour treat. Start with traditional white rice idlis as the base. For the saffron layer, mix in grated carrots or pumpkin puree. The white layer can be achieved with a coconut chutney topping, and the green layer can be represented by coriander and mint chutney. This tricolour idli dish not only looks appealing but also offers a mix of textures and flavours.
Pasta Primavera
For a fusion twist, create a tricolour pasta dish with a selection of colourful seasonal vegetables. Choose whole wheat or multigrain pasta for added nutritional value. Use a tomato-based sauce for the saffron layer, incorporate white veggies such as cauliflower or mushrooms for the middle layer, and add spinach or broccoli for the green layer. This dish combines the familiarity of pasta with the goodness of vegetables, making it a kid-friendly option.
Tricolour Dhokla
Dhokla can be transformed into a tricolour delight for kids. Plus, they’re low-carb too! Use regular dhokla batter for the base. To achieve the saffron layer, add a hint of turmeric to a portion of the batter. The white layer can be represented by the original dhokla batter, and for the green layer, incorporate pureed spinach or coriander. Once steamed, the tricolour dhokla can be cut into bite-sized pieces for a visually appealing and healthy snack.
