Kids who participate in the whole process of planning, shopping ( if any) and preparing their lunchboxes to develop the ability to choose and enjoy healthy food.
Me and Little Ms.K usually plan our week together. This academic year, we decided to plan the menu for the lunch box as well. So, here are some of the easy school snacks to pack for kids where you can involve kids as well. Note: I have tried to avoid biscuits and cheese here because it doesn’t suit Little Ms.K, you can add your preferences.
Chapati Rolls
These are simple ones, you just have to make chapati and roll it with a filling of your choice. When we want it to be on the heavier side our filling has paneer in it otherwise there is Jam ( Homemade) or Ghee and Sugar.
• Coin Dosa
Coin Dosa is my go-to option for a no-fuss snack. All you need to have is the dosa batter. These are coin shaped dosas which can have a topping of cheese.
• Khakra
This is the crispier version of Roti or Methi Thepla. Very good to give as a snack. 100% home-made and healthy. You can give jam as an accompaniment
• Sundal
This is a very famous dish of Tamil Nadu. You just have to pre-plan a bit. Soaking the chickpeas in advance till they sprout. Before you set up the lunch box take some oil in the wok, add mustard, curry leaves, and asoefotida. Add these soaked but drained sprouts. There are many varieties of Sundal. You can use Kabuli Chana, Green Moong ( Pasi Payir), Mot, Horse Gram or the likes. One can also add finely chopped cucumber, carrot as a topping.
• Paniyaram/ Appe
These are made of Dosa batter. If you have the Paniyaram Chatti or Pan to make these small dosa batter dumplings then it is amazingly easy to make in a jiffy.
• Sattu Laddoo
If you make sattu powder at home, well and good. But if you get it store bought, no worries. Just roast Sattu powder in ghee and mix it with Jaggery. Roll them into laddoos. You can also add dry fruits in these laddoos. Favorite of little Ms.K. I am sure every child will like it.
• Idli Fry
This is our most favorite snack. As I make big idlis, I break them into pieces. Add oil to the wok, put mustard, as it splutters I add onion, curry leaves. Till they are done, I add little red chilly powder and turmeric. Mix it well and add the broken idlis. Mix it well and top it with coriander.
• Crispy Onion Rings
Onion rings coated with wet chickpea flour and fried in groundnut oil is nothing but Crispy Onion Rings. I generally give yogurt or achar as accompaniment. I do not use store bought sauce.
If the lunchbox has chapati and sabji as lunch, then I give Poha or Puffed Rice ( Roasted in Ghee, Curry Leaves, and Jeera) as a snack. Makhna or Puffed Lotus seeds ( Roasted in Ghee, Curry Leaves, and Jeera) also taste good and they are nutritious yet light on the stomach. These are some simple snack items which we can make in a jiffy. Let me know if you have any other snacks which you make often… would love to try it.Visit us at: The5ammommy