5 Millet-Based Snacks For Indian Kids

In India, millets are an essential source of food in many dry states. But nutrition and agriculture-wise, it is an ideal crop for our country as well. Thanks to its quick rate of growth and nutritional benefits, grain is finally getting the appreciation and recognition it deserves. Research has shown that millets are a rich source of protein, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and iron. Full of vitamin E, vitamin B, and energy, this highly nutritious crop is a great source of nourishment for developing and under-developed countries.

And when one considers its multiple benefits, like reducing oxidative stress, reducing risk of cancer, heart diseases, gastro-intestinal diseases, asthma, migraine, diabetes management and mood enhancement qualities, millet becomes an ideal grain to feed kids, in order to ace their growth and ensure wholesome development in every sense. Here are some quick and easy millet-based snacks recipes for Indian kids to enjoy.

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Millet-Based Snacks For Indian Kids

1. Millet Idli

This simple yet nutritious south Indian dish can be a wonderful snack for any time of the day. Simply soak your millet and urad dal in advance after washing it thoroughly. Add some thick aval or flattened rice to that and soak them in water for at least 4 hours. Then blend the soaked millets and dal with minimal water to create a thick and smooth batter. Add salt and leave it overnight or for 8 hours minimum, to let the batter rise and double. While making the idli, mix the batter with a little water for optimum thickness and pour them into your idli molds and place them inside a preheated idli cooker pot. Steam for 10-15 minutes on medium flame. Check whether idlis are cooked or not before sealing it and turning off the heat for another 5 minutes or so. Bring the idli mold out, splash some ice-cold water on the idlis and take them out only after they have cooled a little. Serve with coconut chutney and sambar.

2. Millet Brownies

This delicious dessert snack is the perfect accompaniment to the sweet tooth cravings of children. Millet brownies are not only more nutritious but are also dense and pair well with the chocolate flavor. Preheat your oven to 160 degrees Celsius. Melt 150 gms of dark chocolate and half cup of butter before setting aside to cool. Take half cup of millet flour and half teaspoon of baking powder and mix well. In another bowl, take two eggs and beat them well, while slowly adding half a cup of sugar to the mixture. Add the melted chocolate to the egg mix, stirring well. Finally, pour the millet mix in, folding gently in. Carefully pur the mixture into a parchment-laden baking pan and bake in the pre-heated oven for 30-35 minutes. Cool completely before slicing and serving millet brownies.

3. Millet and Cheese Stuffed Bell Peppers

This millet-based snack is bound to be a hit among children, thanks to its delicious and exotic flavors. Take fifty grams of millet, rinse well and drain before cooking it in boiling water in a 1:2 ratio for 15 minutes over medium flame before removing it from heat and cooling for at least 10 minutes, to swell in size. In the meantime, cut your bell peppers in half, scoop out the insides and coat them with butter, in and out. Take your millets in a bowl and add cheese, crushed paneer, chopped garlic, chopped rosemary leaves, olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika, and mix well. Fill the peppers with millet mixture and roast in a pre-heated oven or grill for 10-15 minutes. Serve millet and cheese stuffed bell peppers hot, garnished with chopped parsley leaves.

4. Millet Granola Bars

Homemade millet granola bars are the solution to convenient snacks for busy families. Not only are they mess-free and dense with nutrition, but they are also delicious and kind on tastebuds. Preheat your oven to 165 degrees Celsius and line an 8-inch baking pan liberally with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix oats, millet, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well. Grind or chop almonds and walnuts till they are coarsely chopped. In a blender or food processor, puree pitted dates, liquid gur or brown molasses, honey, and vanilla essence, till a smooth puree is formed. Combine the nuts, millet mix and the date puree till all the dry ingredients are well coated and sticky. Pour the mixture into the lined baking pan and press to form an even layer. Bake for about 25 minutes or till the edges are just starting to brown. Remove and cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting into 15-16 millet granola bars that are still warm. Cool and store in an airtight container for a week or serve warm and fresh.

5. Crunchy Toasted Millet Salad

Crunchy toasted millet salad has a special step in it, that adds crunchiness to it. In a dry saucepan, toast millet until nutty and golden, shaking the pan a few times for about 3-4 minutes. Add 1 cup water, curry leaves, and salt and let it simmer until the grains are tender. Remove millet from heat and let steam cook it for 10 more minutes till light and fluffy. Sort your other ingredients in the meantime, dried fruits, choice of nuts and seeds, grated carrots, peas, watercress and more. Make a simple dressing with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, honey, red peppers, salt, and pepper. Finally, lightly toast your millets in a pan with some butter to add a firmer, crunchier texture, before plating the salad. Layer the watercress and veggies, put the millet mix and top with dried fruits, seeds and nuts. Serve the dressing on the side or drizzle over the salad.