Simple Indian Recipes for Young Chefs!

Cooking can be a fun and educational activity for children, allowing them to explore new skills while learning about different cultures and flavors. Indian cuisine, with its vibrant spices and rich flavors, offers a variety of simple recipes that are perfect for young chefs to try out. Here are a few easy Indian recipes that kids can cook with minimal supervision.

1. Masala Toast

Ingredients:

- 4 slices of bread (whole wheat or white)

- 1 boiled potato, mashed

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 1 small tomato, finely chopped

- 1 small green chili, chopped (optional)

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala

- Salt to taste

- Butter or ghee for toasting

- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped

 Instructions:

1. Heat a little butter or ghee in a pan and add cumin seeds.

2. Once they crackle, add chopped onions and sauté until golden.

3. Add tomatoes, green chili (if using), turmeric powder, and garam masala. Cook until the tomatoes soften.

4. Add the mashed potato and mix well. Add salt to taste.

5. Spread this mixture on a slice of bread.

6. Heat a tawa (griddle) and place the bread slice on it, topping side up.

7. Toast on a low flame until the bread is crispy and golden.

8. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.

2. Roti Pizza

 Ingredients:

- 2 leftover rotis (Indian flatbread) or tortillas

- 1/4 cup pizza sauce or ketchup

- 1/2 cup grated cheese (mozzarella or processed cheese)

- 1/4 cup chopped vegetables (capsicum, tomato, onion, olives, etc.)

- A pinch of oregano or mixed herbs

- Salt and pepper to taste

 Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). If using a stovetop, you can skip this step.

2. Place the rotis on a baking tray or a tawa.

3. Spread a layer of pizza sauce or ketchup over each roti.

4. Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the sauce.

5. Top with chopped vegetables. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and oregano.

6. Bake in the oven for about 5-7 minutes or until the cheese melts. If using a tawa, cook on a low flame with a lid on until the cheese melts.

7. Slice into wedges and serve warm.

3. Sweet Coconut Ladoo

Ingredients:

- 1 cup desiccated coconut

- 1/2 cup condensed milk

- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder

- 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (optional)

- A few saffron strands (optional)

 Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine desiccated coconut and condensed milk.

2. Mix well until the coconut absorbs the condensed milk and forms a sticky mixture.

3. Add cardamom powder and mix again. You can also add chopped nuts or saffron strands for added flavor.

4. Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into round balls (ladoo) using your palms.

5. Roll each ladoo in some extra desiccated coconut for a nice coating.

6. Place the ladoos on a plate and let them set in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving.