After a long day of learning and activities, kids often come home hungry and in need of a nutritious pick-me-up. Providing them with wholesome after-school snacks is crucial for their energy levels and overall well-being. In this blog, we'll explore five delightful and healthy snacks made with millets – a group of nutrient-rich grains that offer a plethora of health benefits.
- Ragi Ladoo: Ragi, also known as finger millet, is a powerhouse of nutrients. Ragi ladoos are not only delicious but also packed with essential vitamins and minerals. To prepare these, roast ragi flour, mix it with jaggery or honey, and shape the mixture into small, bite-sized ladoos. Ragi ladoos are a great source of calcium, iron, and fiber, making them a perfect after-school treat for growing kids.
- Multimillet Noodles: Swap regular noodles with a healthier alternative by using multigrain or multimillet noodles. These noodles are made from a combination of different millets like foxtail millet, pearl millet, and sorghum. Cook them up with colorful veggies and a dash of seasoning for a tasty and nutritious snack. Multimillet noodles provide a good dose of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients, ensuring sustained energy for your little ones.
- Millet Poha Cutlets: Poha, or flattened rice, combined with assorted millets makes for a delightful and crunchy cutlet. Add vegetables like carrots, peas, and potatoes to the mix, and season with spices of your choice. These cutlets are not only a treat for the taste buds but also offer a balanced combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins – ideal for replenishing energy levels after a long day at school.
- Chocolate Multimillet Muesli: Muesli is a versatile snack that can be customized to suit various tastes. Create a chocolatey twist by adding cocoa powder and dark chocolate chunks to a mix of multigrain flakes and millets. Combine with nuts, seeds, and dried fruits for a crunchy and satisfying snack. This chocolate multimillet muesli is rich in antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats, providing a delightful yet nutritious option for your child's after-school cravings.
- Millet Pancakes: Pancakes are a classic favorite, and you can make them healthier by incorporating millet flour into the batter. Mix millet flour with whole wheat flour, add milk, and sweeten with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Top with fresh fruits for added nutrition. These millet pancakes offer a blend of carbohydrates, proteins, and fiber, making them a wholesome and tasty choice for a post-school treat.
Conclusion:
Incorporating millets into after-school snacks not only adds variety to your child's diet but also enhances the nutritional value of their meals. These five recipes – ragi ladoo, multimillet noodles, miletpoha cutlets, chocolate multimillet muesli, and millet pancakes – are not just delicious but also contribute to the overall health and well-being of your growing child. Experiment with these recipes to find your child's favorites and make after-school snacking a delightful and nutritious experience.