Health
Beetroot paratha is a colorful, tasty, and nutritious dish that can easily become a favorite among children. Packed with the goodness of beetroot, this Indian flatbread not only pleases the eyes but also supports your child’s overall health. It is a great way to include vegetables in their diet, especially for picky eaters.
Why Choose Beetroot?
Beetroot is rich in iron, folate, fiber, and antioxidants. It supports healthy blood circulation, improves digestion, and boosts energy levels. For growing children, beetroot helps in developing a strong immune system and maintaining healthy skin.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium beetroot (grated)
- 1½ cups whole wheat flour
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- ½ teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds)
- 1 green chili (finely chopped, optional for older kids)
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped coriander leaves
- A pinch of turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
- 1 tablespoon oil (for the dough)
- Ghee or oil for cooking
Method:
- Prepare the Beetroot:
Wash, peel, and grate the beetroot finely. You can also steam it for a few minutes to make it softer, especially for younger children. - Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, add the whole wheat flour, grated beetroot, cumin seeds, ajwain, ginger paste, chopped coriander, turmeric, and salt. Mix well. Add a tablespoon of oil and slowly add water, kneading into a soft dough. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes. - Roll the Parathas:
Divide the dough into equal parts and roll each into a ball. Using a rolling pin, flatten each ball into a round paratha. Dust with flour as needed to prevent sticking. - Cook the Parathas:
Heat a tawa (flat pan) and cook each paratha on both sides until light golden spots appear. Apply a little ghee or oil on both sides while cooking to enhance flavor and softness. - Serve Warm:
Serve the beetroot paratha warm with yogurt, homemade pickle, or a simple chutney. For school lunches, they stay soft and tasty when wrapped in foil.
Tips for Parents:
- If your child doesn’t like the beetroot texture, you can blend the beetroot into a paste before mixing it into the dough.
- To make the paratha even more nutritious, you can mix in grated carrots, mashed peas, or paneer.
- You can cut the cooked parathas into fun shapes using cookie cutters for toddlers to make it more appealing.
Health Benefits:
This beetroot paratha provides iron, vitamins, and fiber in one meal. It supports digestion, strengthens immunity, and promotes healthy blood flow. The bright pink color makes it visually exciting for children and encourages them to eat without fuss.
Beetroot paratha is an easy way to feed your children a hearty, healthy meal packed with nutrients. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this colorful flatbread is sure to become a family favorite.
