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Green Peas, Corn and Mint Parantha for Toddlers

This recipe came into being when my then 4 year old suddenly one day decided that he hates green peas. Toddlers and their tantrums! But seeing the nutritional profile of peas, I wanted to make him feed peas in some form. I know, all mothers have gone down that lane atleast once where we are finding ways to hide such nutritious vegetables into our child’s meal.

I finally found this perfect way to make him have peas. He absolutely loves this parantha. But now that he is 10, the difference is that he now knows that this is Peas Parantha and sometimes requests for it too. He still hates peas in its whole form though. 🙂

This Parantha tastes extremely good and is perfect for toddlers. Your little one will enjoy the mild soothing flavour derived from apt spices and easily chewable texture. The natural sweetness from peas and corn is very well balanced with mint and spices. 

Peas I think are quite under-rated. It is not actually a vegetable but a small, edible legume and belong to the same family. They are rich in fibre and one of the best plant sources of protein. Always remember when it comes to nutrients, quality over quantity will always win. They are also a useful vegan source of iron. Just 80 grams of green peas can give almost 6 grams of superb quality protein and 1.2 mg of iron.

The combination of sweet corn kernels with peas is quite different and delectable. Sweet corn gives its own creaminess and milky sweet taste to this parantha and mint leaves not only adds that much needed freshness but also is an absolute MUST in summers to keep the digestive system cool.

Let’s see how we can make these parantha for our little picky eaters 🙂

Recipe: makes 3 Paranthas

Ingredients: 

  1. Green Peas: 1/2 cup, boiled or steamed
  2. Sweet Corn Kernels: 1/4th cup, boiled or steamed
  3. Whole wheat flour: 1 cup
  4. Mint leaves: 1/4th cup
  5. Ginger: 1/2 inch
  6. Roasted Cumin Powder: 1/4th tsp
  7. Black pepper: as per taste
  8. Salt: as per taste
  9. Coriander Powder: 1/4th tsp
  10. Garam Masala: a pinch (optional)
  11. Caraway seeds/Ajwain: a generous pinch
  12. Ghee for cooking and dough

Instructions:

  • In a large plate or bowl take wholewheat flour. Add salt, blackpepper, roasted cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, ajwain and 1 tbsp desi ghee. 
  • In a blender, add boiled/steamed peas, corn, mint leaves and ginger. Blend to a smooth purée. Use a little water to get a smooth purée.
  • Add the purée to the flour and knead the flour using the purée. Make a soft dough. 
  • Cover the dough and let the dough rest for 10 mins. Then make small balls and roll it with a rolling pin to the shape and size you want. 
  • Heat a tawa and place rolled parantha over it. Drizzle oil or ghee after it gets half cooked and cook both sides using ghee till golden brown. 
  • Serve with dollop of homemade butter and loads of love.  ❤️

Always serve homemade butter to your child and never store-bought one. Know why you should not give store-bought butter to your child and how to make homemade butter here- Is Homemade Butter really Worth the Effort?

Notes: 

  1. If you are boiling peas and corn then do that in minimal water and use the water to make the purée. Do not let the nutrients get washed away down the drain.
  2. Do not cook parantha on low flame for a long time. It will make harder or crisp paratha which kids don’t like.
  3. You can use frozen peas for this recipe but remember fresh will always taste better. 
  4. Do not skip adding caraway seeds or ajwain in your child’s parantha. They are excellent for digestion.

Do try out this recipe for your child. I am absolutely sure your child will enjoy it. More than your child I am sure you will enjoy watching your child gobbling down such healthy stuff. 🙂 Do let me know in the comments if you do. Would love to know how your child liked it. 

Happy Feeding! 

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Sweet Corn and Weight Loss: Tips and Delicious Recipes

pile of sweet corns

Introduction 📝🌽🍽️

Hello, health enthusiasts! The road to weight loss is often strewn with diet restrictions, challenging workouts, and frequent confusion about what to eat and what to avoid. In this muddle, one often wonders, “What about my favorite foods? Can I still enjoy them?” Well, we have some good news for you, especially if you’re a fan of sweet corn. This sweet, juicy, and flavorful kernel is not only delicious but also a nutritious powerhouse that can support your weight loss journey. So, buckle up as we embark on an informative journey to understand the link between sweet corn and weight loss, along with some delicious, easy-to-prepare recipes. 🎢🍽️

Sweet Corn: Unveiling the Nutritional Profile 🌽🔬

First, let’s understand what makes sweet corn a healthful choice. Despite its sweet taste, an ear of corn has about the same number of calories as an apple and less than one-fourth the sugar. Furthermore, sweet corn is packed with fiber, which aids digestion and helps control appetite.

It’s also an excellent source of several vitamins, including folate, thiamin, and vitamins C and B6. Folate is crucial for the formation of new cells, making it essential during periods of growth. Thiamin helps our cells produce energy from carbohydrates and aids in the function of the heart, muscles, and nervous system. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage and aiding in the absorption of iron, while Vitamin B6 is vital for brain development and function.

Beyond these, sweet corn also provides essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron, along with a high level of antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin, which promote eye health.

Sweet Corn and Weight Loss: The Science 🧪🎯

Sweet corn can indeed support your weight loss journey, and here’s why:

  1. High in Fiber: Sweet corn contains a good amount of dietary fiber. Fiber not only aids in digestion but also provides a feeling of fullness, which can prevent overeating and unnecessary snacking.
  2. Low-Calorie Content: A medium-sized ear of corn contains about 100 calories. Therefore, it can be a part of a low-calorie diet designed for weight loss.
  3. Rich in Complex Carbohydrates: The complex carbs in sweet corn take longer to chew and digest. This slow process prevents sudden spikes in blood sugar and keeps you satisfied for longer, reducing the urge to eat frequently.

How to Eat Sweet Corn in Your Weight Loss Journey 🍲🥗

Including sweet corn in your diet is pretty straightforward. Here are some helpful tips:

  1. Mind Your Portions: Like all foods, moderation is key with sweet corn. A serving size of one medium ear of corn or about 1/2 cup of kernels is sufficient.
  2. Healthy Cooking Methods: Boil, steam, or grill the corn instead of frying. These cooking methods help retain nutritional value while keeping the calorie content low.
  3. Avoid High-Calorie Toppings: Instead of slathering your corn with butter or mayo, opt for healthier options like a squeeze of lime, a sprinkle of chili powder, or a touch of fresh herbs for flavor.

Delicious Sweet Corn Recipes for Weight Loss 🌽👩‍🍳

  1. Grilled Corn with Herb Yogurt: Grill the corn until charred. Mix plain yogurt with your favorite herbs and spices. Slather the grilled corn with the herb yogurt for a delightful side dish.
  2. Corn, Black Bean, and Avocado Salad: Combine steamed corn kernels, black beans, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, chopped onions, and cilantro. Dress with a mixture of lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Sweet Corn Soup: Sauté some garlic and onions in olive oil. Add corn kernels, vegetable stock, salt, and pepper. Blend the mixture and sieve it. Heat the soup again and enjoy a warm, comforting meal.
  4. Corn and Quinoa Stir-fry: Stir fry cooked quinoa, corn, bell peppers, onions, and garlic in a pan. Season with your favorite herbs for a protein-packed, delicious meal.

Conclusion 🏁

The journey to weight loss doesn’t have to mean giving up on all your favorite foods. As we’ve explored, sweet corn is a delightful and healthful addition to a balanced weight loss diet. Not only is it filling and satisfying, but it also comes with numerous health benefits. Just remember to enjoy it in moderation and in its most natural, unprocessed form. Here’s to making your weight loss journey delicious and enjoyable! 🥂

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet.