Idlis are a popular South Indian breakfast dish made from steamed rice cakes. They are a staple in many Indian households and are often served with sambar, chutney, and podi. When it comes to serving idlis to kids, it's essential to make them appealing and fun to eat. Here are 5 idli serving tips for kids that can make mealtime more enjoyable and engaging.
Make Idlis Fun and Interactive
Serving idlis in a fun and interactive way can make kids more excited about eating them. One way to do this is by using idli molds in different shapes, such as animals, cars, or stars. You can also create a face on the idli using chutney or sambar, making it look like a smiling face or a cartoon character. This can add a playful touch to mealtime and make kids more willing to try new foods.
Idli Toppings Bar
Setting up an idli toppings bar can be a great way to let kids customize their idlis according to their taste preferences. You can offer a variety of toppings, such as different types of chutney, sambar, podi, and even grated cheese or chopped vegetables. This can make mealtime more engaging and allow kids to experiment with different flavors and combinations. Some popular idli toppings for kids include:
| Topping | Description |
|---|---|
| Coconut Chutney | A creamy and mild chutney made with coconut, green chilies, and cilantro |
| Tomato Chutney | A tangy and sweet chutney made with tomatoes, onions, and spices |
| Podi | A spicy powder made with lentils, chillies, and spices, often served with ghee or oil |
By offering a variety of toppings, you can cater to different tastes and preferences, making idlis more enjoyable for kids.
Dipping Sauces
Serving idlis with dipping sauces can be a great way to add more flavor and fun to mealtime. You can offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as sambar, chutney, or even a simple yogurt-based sauce. This can make idlis more interactive and allow kids to dip and dunk their idlis in their favorite sauces. Some popular dipping sauces for kids include:
- Sambar: a spicy and tangy lentil-based sauce made with vegetables and spices
- Coconut Chutney: a creamy and mild chutney made with coconut, green chilies, and cilantro
- Yogurt Sauce: a simple and cooling sauce made with yogurt, cucumber, and cumin
By offering a variety of dipping sauces, you can add more flavor and excitement to mealtime, making idlis more enjoyable for kids.
Idli Serving Ideas
Here are some idli serving ideas that can make mealtime more enjoyable and engaging for kids:
- Idli Sandwich: Try serving idlis as a sandwich, with a filling of chutney, sambar, or even cheese and vegetables
- Idli Bites: Cut idlis into bite-sized pieces and serve them with a dipping sauce, making them easier to eat and more fun to dip
- Idli Wrap: Wrap idlis in a whole wheat tortilla or chapati, with a filling of chutney, sambar, and vegetables, making them more portable and convenient
By trying out these idli serving ideas, you can make mealtime more exciting and enjoyable for kids, and encourage them to try new foods and flavors.
What are some healthy idli toppings for kids?
+Some healthy idli toppings for kids include grated vegetables like carrots and zucchini, chopped nuts like almonds and walnuts, and seeds like chia and flax. You can also try serving idlis with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt, making mealtime more balanced and nutritious.
How can I make idlis more appealing to kids?
+You can make idlis more appealing to kids by serving them in fun and interactive ways, such as using idli molds in different shapes, creating faces on the idlis with chutney or sambar, and setting up an idli toppings bar. You can also try serving idlis with dipping sauces, making them more engaging and fun to eat.
