Convincing kids to eat leafy vegetables is a heroic feat, especially when it comes to methi because of its bitter taste. However, the leafy green is packed with iron, fibre, and all things wonderful, so it makes for an essential ingredient in a child’s diet. The trick is sneaking methi into dishes your kids already adore and giving those dishes a trendy, fun twist so they don’t suspect a thing. Here are six healthy methi recipes for kids. Make any of these once, and you’ll be asked for them again and again.

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1. Methi cheese paratha pockets recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup finely chopped methi

1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar/mozzarella mix works best)

1 tsp sesame seeds

Salt

Pepper

1 tsp ghee

Method:

Make a dough using whole wheat flour, finely chopped methi, salt, and water. Roll out small circles, place grated cheese in the centre, fold into pockets, and seal the edges. Cook on a tawa with a little ghee until both sides are golden and crisp.

2. Methi and paneer quesadillas recipe

Ingredients:

2 whole-wheat tortillas

1/2 cup finely chopped methi

1/2 cup grated paneer

1/4 cup cheese

1 tsp butter

Salt, pepper, paprika (for seasoning)

Method:

Combine finely chopped methi, grated paneer, cheese, salt, and pepper. Spread the mixture between two whole-wheat tortillas, toast on a pan with a little butter until crisp, and cut into wedges before serving.

3. Methi corn fritters recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup chopped methi

1/2 cup boiled sweetcorn

1/2 cup besan

1 tbsp rice flour (for extra crispiness)

1 green chilli

Salt

Turmeric

Oil for shallow frying

Method:

Mix chopped methi, boiled sweet corn, besan, rice flour, turmeric, salt, and a splash of water to form a thick batter. Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto a hot pan and shallow-fry until golden on both sides. Serve warm with ketchup or yoghurt dip.

4. Creamy methi pasta recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup penne or farfalle

1/2 cup methi leaves

1 tbsp butter

2 tbsp cream or milk

1 tbsp cheese spread

2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)

Salt

Pepper

Method:

Blanch methi leaves for a minute, drain, and blend with cream or milk to make a smooth sauce. Saute chopped garlic in butter, add the methi sauce and a spoonful of cheese spread, and toss in cooked pasta. Season with salt and pepper and finish with grated cheese.

5. Methi and banana smoothie muffins recipe

Ingredients:

1 ripe banana

1 cup chopped methi (very finely chopped or blended)

2 tbsp honey

1 egg (or 1/4 cup curd)

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1 tbsp melted butter

1/2 tsp baking powder

Vanilla extract

Method:

Mix a mashed ripe banana with finely chopped or blended methi, an egg or curd, honey, melted butter, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and vanilla. Spoon into muffin moulds and bake at 180°C for 12-15 minutes until soft and fluffy.

6. Methi thepla waffles recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup chopped methi

1 tbsp curd

Cumin

Turmeric

Salt

Water as needed

1 tsp oil

Method:

Prepare a thick thepla-style batter using whole wheat flour, chopped methi, curd, cumin, turmeric, salt, and water. Pour the batter into a greased waffle maker and cook until golden and crisp. Serve with yoghurt or chutney.

Methi doesn’t have to be a battle. With some fun shapes, creamy textures, and familiar flavours, you can create some healthy methi recipes for your kids that they’ll love.

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