No More Fuss: Easy

Lunchbox Recipes

Kids Will Actually Eat

Quick Summary: 

Take your kids through an experience of Hell's Kitchen, and they may develop a liking for a wide variety of food. As much as Gordon Ramsey loves kids, it’s hard to match up to his level of dedicatio, time and patience as busy parents. You don’t need to be Ramsey to pack deceptively simple and delicious dabbas for your little one. Read on for an array of quick-fix meals designed with picky eaters in mind.

Deep Dive: 

Chances are, if you are here, you have run out of ideas on what magic to perform to get your child to finish off their lunch at school. The secret right there is not training in the culinary arts, nor acquiring hypnosis powers to get your child to eat. It lies in how and what you prepare for your child, adapting and being a little bit creative to get them to polish off their lunch. These lunch recipes for kids are quick and easy and make good use of the rotis, parathas, vegetables, eggs, and rice. They pack in nutrition, so you do not have to fret too much, and you can bake or air fry some of these dishes, too. 

Mini Paratha Rolls

Use Aashirvaad Whole Wheat Atta to make soft parathas or repurpose leftovers from last night or from breakfast. To make the filling, mix grated paneer or hydrated soya granules with mashed aloo, mild spices, and a touch of chaat masala. Spread the filling, roll tightly, slice into pinwheels, and secure with toothpicks and lightly toast. The rolls will hold their shape and don’t leak, making them easy to eat. These packs in protein, slow carbs, and fibre and shaped into fun spirals or bites, they’re ideal for small hands.

Vegetable Idli Fry

This is perhaps the easiest one here, as you don’t even need to prepare the batter and steam the idlis. You just need big to medium-sized idlis, leftover idlis, and mustard seeds, curry leaves, chopped beans, carrots, and capsicum. Use Aashirvaad spices like cumin and turmeric leaves for a pop of flavour. Fermented idlis are a source of probiotics, which aid digestion and being stir-fried adds to the fun for your kid. The idlis with the sautéed vegetables make for a well-balanced carb, fibre and wholesome micronutrient lunch without being heavy on fat.

Cheesy Rice Balls

You can make these fun by using a rice mould or just using your hands to shape them into onigiris, balls or ovals. A fun-looking treat will have your child finish off their lunch in no time! Mix cooked rice with finely chopped corn, carrots, and bell peppers. Add shredded cheese and a spoonful of Aashirvaad Rava to bind the balls better. Shape into balls or triangles around a cube of processed cheese. Coat with breadcrumbs or more rava, then shallow-fry or bake until crisp. You can adapt the recipe to any cuisine – Indian, Mediterranean, Chinese – whatever you feel might work with your kid.

Egg Muffins

Egg muffins taste quite similar to a frittata or omelette, but given their packed nature, the flavour is concentrated. To make egg muffins, beat eggs with a splash of milk, add grated zucchini, carrots, and cheese, then mix in a pinch of Aashirvaad Garam Masala for a subtle flavour boost. These are packed with protein with herbs and additions like cheese and some roasted veggies (hide them!), making them nutritionally dense. When baked just right, the muffins hold their shape perfectly, neither rubbery nor dry. You can decorate with strips of nori sheets to create fun little faces for a fun lunch.

Moong Dal Nuggets

This hack is for the kids who love their dal, and whether they like vegetables or not, you can puree and hide them in the nuggets. Soak and grind moong dal with ginger, garlic, and chillies. Mix with boiled and mashed vegetables, Aashirvaad plain or roasted vermicelli, and a spoonful of atta. Shape them into nuggets and pan-fry until golden brown. The dal nuggets are satisfying without being greasy or heavy and mimic traditional snacks (like cutlets or fritters) but feel lighter with adequate protein, fibre and carbs in them. The taste remains unchanged as they cool, which is great for lunchboxes.

Easy and Quick Fixes For Kiddie Lunchboxes

If your picky kid does not finish off these meals, and you are still in doubt, involve them in the cooking process. Children love to be engaged in new things, and if they cannot distinguish a spatula from a tong, this would be a great activity for them. Well, of course, you cannot do this on a weekday, warm them up to the work that goes into packing a tiffin, perhaps packing a weekend picnic with their help? That might just help your kid nitpick a little less and love tiffin time at school.