Feeling a nip in the air? It’s time not just to modify your wardrobe but also your food preferences. It is not unusual to crave warm, rich and oily foods like pakoras, kachoris, and vadas, during winter but one should also be mindful of the huge calorie intake. Just like adults, kids too may crave for unhealthy snacks, but it is important to teach your kids to steer clear of junk food and opt for nutritious alternatives instead.
This is because the body experiences slower metabolism and digestion, being more prone to fevers and infections in winter. Hence, it is necessary to consume foods high on proteins, fibers as well as essential vitamins and minerals, to build immunity. Also Read: 5 Winter Foods To Warm Your Tummy And Boost Metabolism
So, wondering what nutritious dishes you can serve your kids on a gloomy, cold evening? Read on, to know more about two delicious and simple winter snack recipes, that are also super-healthy, to help boost metabolism, energy levels and immunity in the young ones.
Mixed Vegetable Noodles
Ingredients:
1 cup atta, oats or gluten-free noodles
1 small red onion, chopped
1 small tomato, cut into small pieces
1 medium carrot, sliced
3 tbsp green peas, boiled
2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp chili powder
Salt, to taste
½ tbsp oil
A few coriander leaves, for garnish
Some black pepper powder, for seasoning
Method:
In a small pan, lightly fry the onions in a bit of oil and set aside.
Boil the raw noodles in 2 cups of water on medium flame, in a deep vessel, until it becomes soft.
Add all the cut vegetables, along with the fried onions, turmeric powder, chili powder, and salt.
Cook for 15 minutes on low flame, placing a lid to partially cover the vessel.
Garnish with coriander leaves and a bit of pepper powder and serve hot.
Nutrition:
Onions provide dietary fibers for digestion, tomatoes supply potassium for nerve and muscle activity and carrots abound in vitamin A for proper vision. Green peas are rich in proteins for metabolism while turmeric contains the antioxidant curcumin, which removes harmful free radicals. Black pepper is laden with vitamin C, which bolsters immune function. Also Read: Believe In The Health Benefits Of Black Pepper
Spinach And Corn Ragi Momos
Ingredients:
2 cups spinach, finely chopped
½ cup corn grains, boiled
A small slice of ginger, minced
2 tsp cumin powder
1 cup ragi flour
Salt, to taste
Method:
In a vessel, add some water and cook the spinach and corn on medium flame, along with ginger, cumin powder and salt.
Allow the flavours to blend in, switch off the stove and set the filling aside.
Prepare a dough with ragi and some salt, roll it into circles, add the spinach and corn filling in the center and wrap them into half-moon shaped fluffy bases.
Steam them on high flame, for about 10 minutes and serve the momos hot with some chutney or ketchup.
Nutrition:
Ragi has vast reserves of iron, that promotes healthy red blood cell synthesis and prevents anemia. Spinach contains significant quantities of calcium and magnesium, for fortified bones. Corn comprises noteworthy amounts of calories, for instant energy while cumin is bestowed with high vitamin B6 content, for enhanced nervous system functioning.
