As parents, packing a nutritious and tasty tiffin for your child can often feel like a tricky task. The goal is not just to prepare a meal that is healthy, but also something that your child will actually eat. If you're tired of seeing half-filled lunchboxes at the end of the day, here are some fun and simple school tiffin ideas that are not only easy to make but also delicious enough for kids to finish.
1. Vegetable and cheese Paratha Rolls
Why Kids Will love It: Paratha rolls are easy to eat, flavorful, and can be packed with veggies. Adding cheese gives it a creamy texture that kids love.
How to Make It:
· Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, grated veggies (carrot, spinach, beetroot), cheese slices, cumin powder, garam masala, and salt.
· Method: Make a dough using whole wheat flour. Prepare a filling by sautéing the grated veggies with a little cumin, garam masala, and salt. Roll out the dough, stuff it with the veggie mixture and cheese, and then cook on a tawa until golden and crispy.
2. mini Veg Pizzas
Why Kids Will love It: Who doesn’t love pizza? These mini versions are bite-sized and can be made with healthy ingredients.
How to Make It:
· Ingredients: Whole wheat bread slices, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, bell peppers, olives, corn, and tomatoes.
· Method: Cut bread slices into small rounds. Spread a little pizza sauce on top, add some cheese, and top with vegetables. Toast in the oven until the cheese melts.
3. masala dosa with Coconut Chutney
Why Kids Will love It: Dosa is crispy, fun to eat, and filling. The tangy coconut chutney gives it an extra kick that children enjoy.
How to Make It:
· Ingredients: Dosa batter (can be store-bought), mashed potatoes, mustard seeds, curry leaves, turmeric, green chilies, and coconut for chutney.
· Method: Prepare dosas as you normally would. For the filling, sauté mustard seeds, curry leaves, and turmeric in oil, then add mashed potatoes. Serve with a simple coconut chutney made by blending coconut, green chilies, and a little salt.
4. egg Salad Wraps
Why Kids Will love It: Wraps are easy to hold and packed with protein. This simple egg salad will keep them full and energized throughout the day.
How to Make It:
· Ingredients: Boiled eggs, mayonnaise, chopped onions, cucumber, lettuce, salt, and pepper.
· Method: Mash the boiled eggs and mix with mayonnaise, chopped onions, cucumber, salt, and pepper. Spread the egg salad on a whole wheat wrap or tortilla and roll it up. Slice into bite-sized portions.
5. fruit and Nut Energy Bars
Why Kids Will love It: These homemade energy bars are sweet, chewy, and packed with the goodness of fruits and nuts, making them a perfect snack for kids.
How to Make It:
· Ingredients: Dates, almonds, walnuts, oats, dried cranberries, honey, and a pinch of cinnamon.
· Method: Blend all the ingredients together in a food processor. press the mixture into a baking tray and refrigerate for a few hours. Once set, cut into bars and pack them in the tiffin.
6. mini Veg Sandwiches
Why Kids Will love It: Sandwiches are a classic favorite, and when made with colorful veggies, they become more appealing.
How to Make It:
· Ingredients: Whole wheat bread, cucumber, tomatoes, lettuce, and cream cheese or hummus.
· Method: Spread cream cheese or hummus on the bread slices. Layer with thinly sliced veggies like cucumber, tomato, and lettuce. Cut the sandwich into fun shapes using a cookie cutter for added visual appeal.
7. Vegetable Upma
Why Kids Will love It: upma is a comforting and filling dish. The addition of vegetables makes it healthy and tasty.
How to Make It:
· Ingredients: Semolina (rava), mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, beans), mustard seeds, curry leaves, ginger, and cashews.
· Method: In a pan, heat oil and sauté mustard seeds, curry leaves, ginger, and cashews. Add mixed vegetables and cook them for a few minutes. Then, add the semolina and water, stirring continuously until it thickens into a soft upma. Pack it warm.
8. Hummus with Veggie Sticks
Why Kids Will love It: This simple, healthy snack is fun to eat and packed with nutrients. Kids can dip crunchy veggies in creamy hummus, making it a snack they'll enjoy.
How to Make It:
· Ingredients: Chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper sticks.
· Method: For hummus, blend chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, and garlic until smooth. Serve with colorful veggie sticks like carrots, cucumber, and bell peppers for dipping.
9. sweet potato Tikki
Why Kids Will love It: These crispy tikkis are sweet, savory, and packed with the goodness of sweet potatoes and spices. They're perfect for a crunchy snack in a tiffin box.
How to Make It:
· Ingredients: Boiled sweet potatoes, breadcrumbs, cumin powder, garam masala, chopped coriander, and salt.
· Method: Mash the boiled sweet potatoes and mix with breadcrumbs, spices, and coriander. Shape into small tikkis and shallow fry until crispy. Serve with a side of yogurt for dipping.
10. pulao with Raita
Why Kids Will love It: pulao is flavorful, easy to eat, and can be made with a variety of veggies, making it a perfect one-pot meal for kids.
How to Make It:
· Ingredients: Rice, mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, beans), cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, and raita (yogurt with cucumbers, mint, and spices).
· Method: Cook the rice with spices like cumin, cinnamon, and cardamom, and add the mixed vegetables. Pair with a refreshing raita for a balanced meal.
Conclusion:
Packing a tasty and nutritious tiffin doesn't have to be difficult! With these simple and easy-to-make recipes, you can ensure that your child gets a healthy and delicious meal that they'll actually enjoy. The key is to keep the meals varied and fun, with a good balance of protein, carbs, healthy fats, and veggies.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
.jpg)
click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel