Today, we’re excited to share with you our special recipe, wholesome Bajra Spinach Idlis for tiny tummies. As parents and caregivers, we understand the challenge of ensuring our little ones get all the nutrition they need while keeping mealtime fun and enjoyable. That’s where Bajra (Pearl Millet) and Spinach come into play, combining to create not just a health-packed meal but also one that’s delicious and kid-approved!
Health Benefits of Bajra and Spinach
Bajra (Pearl Millet) and spinach are both incredibly nutritious foods, offering a wide range of health benefits, particularly beneficial for children. Integrating these foods into a child’s diet can contribute significantly to their overall health and development. Here are the key health benefits of bajra and spinach ;
- Bajra is a great source of essential nutrients such as protein, fiber, phosphorus, magnesium, and B vitamins. These nutrients are crucial for a child’s growth, helping in the development of bones, muscles, and brain function.
- Being a complex carbohydrate, bajra provides sustained energy, which is essential for active and growing children. This makes it an ideal food for breakfast or snacks, providing energy for their day-to-day activities.
- The high fiber content in bajra aids in digestion and regular bowel movements. This is particularly beneficial for children as it ensures a healthy digestive system, preventing issues like constipation.
- Spinach is loaded with vitamins A, C, and other antioxidants, which are known to boost the immune system. A strong immune system is essential for children to fend off infections and stay healthy.
- Iron is vital for the development of the brain and blood. Spinach, being rich in iron, is important for preventing anemia and promoting better cognitive development in children.
- Spinach contains lutein and zeaxanthin, two types of antioxidants that are known to promote eye health and prevent vision problems .
- Magnesium in bajra plays a crucial role in muscle and nerve function. It helps in muscle contraction and relaxation, which is important for children as they are constantly growing and developing.
- Bajra contains niacin (a form of Vitamin B3) which helps in lowering cholesterol, thereby supporting cardiovascular health.
- The vitamins and minerals in spinach are great for maintaining healthy skin and hair, which is a nice additional benefit for growing kids.
Recipe
Ingredients
- Bajra flour – 1 cup
- Curd – 1/2 cup
- Spinach – 1 bunch
- Grated carrot and chopped coriander leaves – 1/4 cup
- Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
- Salt as per taste
For tempering
- Asafoetida- a pinch
- Mustard Seeds- 1/4 tsp
- Chana + urad Daal- 1 tsp
- Curry leaves – few
- Oil – 1 tbsp
Method
- Mix Bajra flour with curd. Keep it aside.
- Boil spinach in salty water for 3-4 mins, then dip in icy water for 2 mins & grind.
- Mix this spinach puree, grated carrot, chopped coriander leaves to Bajra-curd mixture.
- Prepare tempering & add it to the batter.
- Adjust salt as per taste. Mix well.
- Grease idli stand & pour batter into it.
- Steam cook for 12-15 mins on high flame.
- Check with toothpick.
- Serve hot with Chutney.
Introducing your little ones to the wholesome goodness of Bajra Spinach Idlis is more than just about feeding them a nutritious meal. It’s about laying the foundation for healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime. By incorporating superfoods like bajra, carrot and spinach into their diet, you’re not only ensuring they receive a balance of essential nutrients but also cultivating a palate that appreciates diverse, wholesome foods. This recipe can be given to 1 year old babies .
Frequently Added Questions
Can Kids Eat Bajra Spinach Idli?
Yes, kids can eat Bajra Spinach Idli. It’s a nutritious meal option that provides essential nutrients beneficial for their growth and development. Bajra is rich in fiber, proteins, and essential minerals, while spinach adds a good dose of iron and vitamins.
How Can I Make Bajra Spinach Idli More Appealing to Kids?
To make Bajra Spinach Idli more appealing to kids, try adding grated vegetables like carrots or beetroot for a colorful twist. You can also use molds to make idlis in fun shapes that kids will love.
How Do I Ensure the Idlis are Soft and Fluffy?
To ensure the idlis are soft and fluffy, make sure the batter is fermented well. The consistency of the batter should not be too thick or too runny.
Is it necessary to ferment the batter?
Fermentation is key to making idlis as it contributes to the texture and increases the nutritional value by enhancing digestibility and bioavailability of nutrients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Bajraflour
- 1/2 cup Curd
- 1 bunch Spinach
- 1/4 cup Grated carrot and chopped coriander
- 1 tsp Cuminseeds
- Salt as per taste
- For tempering
- Asafoetida- a pinch
- 1/2 tsp Mustard Seeds
- 1 tsp Chana + urad Daal
- Curry leaves – few
- 1 tsp Oil
Instructions
-
Mix Bajra flour with curd. Keep it aside.
-
Boil spinach in salty water for 3-4 mins, then dip in icywater for 2 mins & grind.
-
Mix this spinach puree, grated carrot, chopped coriander leaves to Bajra-curd mixture.
-
Prepare tempering & add it to the batter.
-
Adjust salt as per taste. Mix well.
-
Grease idli stand & pour batter into it.
-
Steam cook for 12-15 mins on high flame.
-
Check with toothpick.
-
Serve hot with Chutney.
Buy Healthy Nutritious Baby, Toddler food made by our own Doctor Mom !
Hema
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