Burrito parathas are a better version of what you would generally send in your child's lunch every day. Instead of the usual wraps, parathas can be used as the outer layer to wrap up beans, paneer, veggies, and many protein-rich fillings. With the correct atta, the wraps will remain soft, taste familiar, and make lunchtime exciting.
The paratha burrito's core principle is its ability to utilise normality. Changes made to children's diets are typically resisted; however, when subtle improvements are made, children's willingness to try new foods will respond positively. There are a variety of quality attas that can be used when wrapping food to provide children with a high level of softness (Aashirvaad Select 100% MP Sharbati Atta), high levels of fibre (Aashirvaad High Fibre Atta with Multigrains), or an expected level of durability (Aashirvaad Shudh Chakki Atta). Parents can provide children with nutritious and tasty foods without the emphasis on promoting the products as a healthy replacement.
It can be very frustrating for parents to pack their children a nutritional lunch, only to find that it was mostly uneaten. A lot of parents have attempted to pack more healthy items in the lunch, but typically it does not work. If you want to win the battle of providing healthy lunches for your kids, try paratha burritos.
Paratha burritos are fun and seem very indulgent; however, those unique characteristics come from wrapping traditional burrito-style fillings inside a soft, buttery tortilla (paratha). When kids eat this way, they do not look at the food they are eating as healthy; they simply view it as “good food”.
The best thing about using a paratha for burritos is that they are very tidy; once wrapped up tightly, then cut down the middle, it is easy for children to eat, and therefore, finish.
The most critical part of a good paratha burrito is the wrap. If the wrap becomes hard or has cracks, the entire recipe will not be successful.
When looking for a soft paratha burrito, Aashirvaad Select 100% MP Sharbati Atta is an excellent choice. This flour is made from 100 per cent MP Sharbati wheat grown in Madhya Pradesh and has a good grain structure. The grains have good moisture retention properties, allowing the dough to be smooth.
If you want to increase the fibre content of your paratha burrito without changing the taste, Aashirvaad High Fibre Atta with Multigrains is a good option. This flour includes a combination of wheat, soya, chana dal (split chickpeas), oats, maize, and psyllium husk to add lots of extra fibre without altering the taste.
Another option for paratha burritos is Aashirvaad Shudh Chakki Atta (100 per cent whole-wheat flour and no all-purpose flour).
The brilliance of paratha burritos lies in their ability to conceal the healthy contents within the tortilla via a warm tortilla casing, such as rajma and corn combined with spices, crumbled chips with bell peppers, scrambled egg and carrot, and even leftover chole works great. Beans and other legumes contain lots of protein and fibre, but are presented as indulgent when inside a warm paratha.
For the picky eater, using a smooth mashed texture for the filling will hide any visible pieces, and adding cheese will help balance the taste without being misleading.
Fibre does not create enthusiasm amongst children, but texture and taste will.
Aashirvaad High Fibre Atta parathas made with multiple grains will deliver a similar taste experience through fibre content. The dough's ability to absorb moisture creates a soft product; however, it is important for those who roll burritos tightly to ensure that their burrito does not have any leakage from the outside of the burrito.
The combination of the different types of grains creates a delicate nutty flavour profile without being too overwhelming. This is a great stealth upgrade for any parent looking for smarter lunch box options for their children while still providing fibre aid to their children's digestive process.
The predictability of the same kind of roti and sabzi makes children reluctant to eat their lunches, in part because they are bored with the same old flavours and combinations.
Use paratha burritos to change the way children see their lunch. You can cut them into pinwheels, wrap them in wax paper like they would be done at a café, and offer a small container for dipping that creates even more interaction. All of a sudden, they have a new interest in their lunch.
When using Aashirvaad Shudh Chakki Atta, the paratha will hold its shape, while the Aashirvaad 100% MP Sharbati Atta will give the burrito a luxurious softness, so it will feel extra special on days when children want a burrito to taste really good.
When it comes to ideas for packing lunches for modern children, the presentation of the lunch will account for 50% of its success, while the textures will account for the other half.
Paratha burritos are not just a fusion but have also been created with consideration for practicality. They use the same foods that your child eats, which are paratha, but they turn them into a more portable, structured, and protein-rich item.
You are not creating something new; you are reorganising everything. Oftentimes, that very slight change is enough to entice a child to return home without anything left in their tiffin box.