Food habits of children are shaped at a young age and these eating behaviours established in childhood persist, with lifelong implications. Enhancing the visual appeal of foods has been suggested as a strategy by food researchers for promoting healthy food consumption in childhood. Research reveals that a child’s eating behaviour is largely influenced by multi sensorial factors such as colour, shape, texture, flavour, taste etc. of which visual cues dominate. Children are quick to boredom, a neurophysiological response, hence mothers need to learn to capitalise on the sensory and visual food stimulations that can increase their” liking “and ‘wanting “of healthy foods.
Foodialogues.com shares some kitchen moments and recipes for kids which cater to their oro-sensory stimulation and enhance their eating of healthy foods. A kid’s combo of palak poori & kids style dal tadka, where the bright natural colours of green and yellow attracts the child while the unusual flower shaped poori acts as a motivator to engage in ‘liking” the food. The flower cutter is also used quite frequently while making a bread toast at home. This child -friendly shape in varying sizes is perceived as fun. It is better liked and helped in driving away the boredom and lending an element of variety to the child’s plate.
PALAK POORI RECIPE
Ingredients for Palak Poori:
- Wheat flour 1 c
- Spinach /palak chopped 2 c
- Carom /Ajwain seeds a pinch
- Salt as required
- Oil for frying
Preparation Method for Palak Poori:
- Take a heavy bottomed pan, add the chopped spinach, a sprinkle of salt and a sprinkle of water. Mix well and cover and cook for a few minutes. Switch off flame, cool and make a puree of the greens.
- Take a large bowl, add the puree, carom seeds and wheat flour along with salt. Mix into a stiff dough with water if required. Roll into poories. Cut into desired shapes and deep fry. Serve with dal tadka.
Palak Poori Preparation Video:
Dal Tadka Recipe
Ingredients for Dal Tadka:
- Moong dal ½ c
- Turmeric powder ½ tsp
- Cumin seeds ½ tsp Finely chopped
- coriander leaves 1 tsp
- Oil /ghee 1 tsp
- Asafoetida a pinch
- Juice of 1/23 lemon
- Salt as required.
Preparation Method for Dal Tadka:
- Pressure cook dal with turmeric till soft. Mash and set aside.
- Heat ghee, splutter cumin and asafoetida. Pour on the mashed dal. Sprinkle coriander leaves and drizzle the lemon juice. Mix well. and serve.
Delicious & Healthy Kids Combo of “Palak Poori with Dal Tadka” is ready 🙂
