Our Indian summers can be sweltering hot, and our kids want to spend the day outdoors! All this activity can make them sweaty, hungry and reaching out for unhealthy treats. It may be an excuse to indulge in packaged and processed foods now and then during the summer break, but it’s important to ensure that kids are learning good eating practices, even when on holiday.
To ensure your child is getting the right amount of nutrition during the hot summer months, here are top 5 Indian summer recipes for kids suggested by our paediatrician. These easy and healthy summer snacks for kids are sure to provide them with the energy and nutrients they need to stay active and healthy during the hot summer months. Read on to find out more about these delicious summer recipes for kids.
1) Mango Salsa
Mangoes are the quintessential summer fruit in India, and there’s nothing like a refreshing Mango Salsa to beat the heat and satisfy hunger pangs. This tangy, sweet, and savoury snack is perfect for kids who love to explore new tastes and textures.
Mango Salsa is a great source of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C, which helps boost immunity. It’s also low in calories, making it an excellent guilt-free snack for kids.
To make Mango Salsa, all you need is a ripe mango, some diced onions, bell peppers, and coriander leaves. You can also add a pinch of salt, black pepper, and lemon juice to taste. Mix everything together, and that’s it, your Mango Salsa is ready to eat!
You can serve Mango Salsa as a standalone snack or as a side dish to grilled chicken or fish. It’s also great with chips, tacos, or crackers. The best part? Kids can help make this snack by themselves, as it’s easy and requires minimal preparation.
So, next time your kids come home from playing in the sun, surprise them with some Mango Salsa and let them enjoy a delicious and nutritious summer treat.
2) Banana Lassi
A refreshing and healthy summer drink that is perfect for kids is banana lassi. Made from fresh bananas and yogurt, this drink is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients that will keep your child energised throughout the day.
Banana lassi is an excellent source of potassium, which helps in maintaining healthy blood pressure and promotes good heart health. Additionally, the yogurt in the drink contains calcium, which is crucial for strong bones and teeth.
To make this yummy drink, blend together ripe bananas, yogurt, a splash of milk, and a drizzle of honey to taste. If your child prefers a thinner consistency, add a handful of ice cubes to the mix.
Banana lassi is not only healthy but also a great way to keep your child hydrated during the hot summer days. So next time your child needs a refreshing drink, whip up this easy and delicious banana lassi recipe and watch them slurp it down with joy!
3) Mixed Vegetable Sandwich
Sandwiches are a favourite amongst children, and what’s better than a simple vegetable sandwich to cool off on a hot summer day? This sandwich is easy to prepare, nutritious and loved by kids of all ages.
To make the sandwich, chop up cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, carrots, and tomatoes. Mix all the chopped vegetables with a dash of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Now, take two slices of brown bread, and spread a generous layer of hummus or green chutney. These spreads can be prepared in a large batch and can be enjoyed by the entire family too. Layer the mixed vegetables on one slice of the bread, and place another slice of bread on top. Your sandwich is ready!
This sandwich is not only easy to make, but it is also packed with nutrients. It is rich in dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Vegetables provide a perfect balance of macronutrients, which are necessary for growth and development in children. You can improvise by adding boiled egg, grilled chicken or tofu for added protein.
This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your child’s taste preferences. Try it out this summer and watch your child devour this delicious and nutritious sandwich.
4) Boiled Corn
When it comes to summer snacks for kids, boiled corn is a classic favourite. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also nutritious and filling. Corn is an excellent source of fibre, which is essential for digestion and keeps your little one feeling full for longer periods. It’s also loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making it an excellent snack for your child’s overall health.
Boiled corn is a must-have in your child’s diet. It’s light on the stomach, low in calories, and a great alternative to the high-calorie junk food that children usually crave. Plus, the sweet and crunchy taste of boiled corn is sure to appeal to your child’s taste buds.
To make boiled corn, all you need is fresh corn, water, and a pinch of salt. First, clean the corn for any traces of husk. Next, boil a pot of water, add a pinch of salt, and then add the corn to the pot. Boil the corn for about 10-15 minutes or until it becomes tender. Once it’s done, drain the water, let it cool, and then serve it to your child.
You can add a bit of lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the boiled corn to give it a tangy and savoury taste. Another fun way to serve boiled corn with a bowl of mixed salad vegetables like chopped cucumber, tomato and salad leaves.
Overall, boiled corn is a fantastic snack option for your child’s diet. Not only is it nutritious and easy to make, but it’s also versatile and can be incorporated into various snacks and meals.
5) Homemade Bhel Puri
Bhel Puri is a popular street snack that kids absolutely love. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make at home. This recipe is perfect for those hot summer days when kids need something refreshing and filling to keep them going.
To make this snack, you’ll need puffed rice, sev, chopped onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. You can also add boiled potatoes, roasted peanuts, or any other vegetables that your kids enjoy.
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, and add some tamarind chutney, green chutney, and lemon juice for some tangy flavour. Toss it all together until everything is coated in the delicious sauce.
Now, you have a healthy and tasty snack that your kids will love. It’s perfect for a quick bite after a game of tag or for a fun picnic in the park.
This is a great way to sneak in some vegetables and protein into your child’s diet. Puffed rice is a low-calorie option that’s perfect for weight management, and the vegetables provide essential nutrients for growth and development.
Make sure to use fresh ingredients and limit the amount of sauce you add to control the calorie and sugar intake. Try this recipe today and see your kids enjoy a healthy and tasty snack this summer.
When it comes to children, simpler recipes with close-to-the-original ingredients work best. It is healthier, more nutritious and aids in your child’s development.
Avoid caffeinated drinks, cola drinks, chocolates , excessive salt or salty food consumption as much as possible, and find natural, healthy alternatives that can be quickly prepared to ease those hunger pangs. Also read Summer tips for Parents: 5 tips to protect your kids from the heat.
If you’re in need of nutritional guidance and advice and your child isn’t open to all sorts of food, visit our clinic. It is most accessible to South Mumbai parents, looking for the best paediatrician in the neighbourhood of Lower Parel, Worli, Dadar and Prabha Devi.