Khichdi – Healthy Lunch Box Idea for Kids

Khichdi is one of the most comforting and nourishing one-pot meals for kids and elders alike. This wholesome combination of rice, dal, and vegetables was recommended by many of my friends and neighbours for my daughter Varsha ever since she turned one year old.

To make it even more nutritious, I added fresh methi leaves. Traditional khichdi is usually prepared with garam masalas and spices similar to biryani style, but this version is completely mild and non-spicy, making it perfect for kids and even elderly people.

There is nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of khichdi during rainy evenings.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp jeera or saunf
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• Few mint leaves
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
  • Carrot
  • Beans
  • Cauliflower
  • Potato
  • Methi leaves
• 1/2 cup rice
• 1/4 cup dal
• 1 1/2 cups water

Mild Spice Mix

• 1/2 tsp salt
• Pinch of turmeric powder
• 1 tsp jeera powder
• 1/2 tsp dhaniya powder

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Method

Step 1 – Tempering

Heat oil in a pressure cooker or pan. Add jeera seeds and allow them to crackle.

Step 2 – Sauté

Add mint leaves, chopped onion, ginger-garlic paste, and tomato. Sauté until soft.

Step 3 – Add Vegetables

Add all the chopped vegetables along with the mild spice mix. Cook for a few minutes.

Step 4 – Rice & Dal

Add water and the soaked rice-dal mixture.

Mix everything well.

Step 5 – Pressure Cook

Pressure cook for 3 whistles until soft and mushy.

Serve warm with curd, ghee, or papad.

Tips

• For babies and toddlers, mash the khichdi slightly before serving.
• Spice lovers can add green chilli or garam masala for a spicy version.
• Adding ghee enhances both flavour and nutrition.

Healthy Amla Paratha Recipe | Indian Gooseberry Stuffed Paratha | Vitamin C Rich Breakfast

     Amla (also known as Indian Gooseberry or Nellikai) is one of the most powerful fruits used in Ayurveda and traditional Indian cooking. It is packed with Vitamin C, antioxidants, and medicinal properties that help improve digestion, boost immunity, and cleanse the liver.

Did you know that one small amla contains almost the same Vitamin C as two oranges? Because of its health benefits, it is also used in popular Ayurvedic preparations like Chyawanprash and Triphala powder.

However, cooking with amla can be tricky because of its strong sour taste. My first attempt was an amla-spinach soup, but it turned out too sour! After speaking to my aunt, who is very experienced in herbal cooking, I learned an important tip:

👉 Use amla in small quantities and balance it with spices or herbs.

With this idea, I tried adding grated amla to paratha dough along with mint, green chilli, and spices. The result was surprisingly delicious! The sourness blended beautifully with the spices, and it tasted like a flavorful masala paratha.

Today I am sharing this simple and healthy Amla Paratha recipe that is perfect for breakfast or lunch.

Amla Paratha Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole wheat flour (atta)

• 1 large amla / Indian gooseberry, grated

• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste

• 2–3 green chillies, finely chopped

• 1 handful fresh mint leaves (pudhina), finely chopped

• 1 tsp fenugreek leaves (methi) – optional

• 2 tsp finely chopped onion

• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

• Water as required

• Oil or ghee for cooking

 Method

1. Take the whole wheat flour in a mixing bowl and add salt.

2. Add ginger-garlic paste and chopped green chillies.

3. Mix in finely chopped mint leaves and methi leaves.

4. Now add the grated amla and chopped onions.

5. Slowly add water and knead the mixture into a firm dough. Do not make the dough too soft.

6. Cover the dough and let it rest for 10–15 minutes.

7. Divide the dough into medium-sized balls.

8. Dust with atta and roll each ball into a paratha.

9. Heat a tawa (griddle) and cook the paratha on both sides.

10. Drizzle 1–2 tsp oil or ghee and cook until golden brown.

Your healthy Amla Parathas are now ready!

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delicious Amla Parathas hot with:

• Yogurt / Curd

• Pickle

• Any vegetable curry

• Butter or homemade white butter

      Amla is a superfood in Indian kitchens, but many of us hesitate to cook with it because of its sour taste. This Amla Paratha recipe is a great way to include this nutritious fruit in everyday meals without overpowering the flavour.

The combination of mint, spices, and wheat flour perfectly balances the sourness and creates a tasty, healthy paratha that everyone will enjoy.

Give this recipe a try and add a nutritious twist to your breakfast!