Paneer is one of the most loved and nutritious ingredients you can easily add to your child’s food. Loaded with protein, calcium, and healthy fats, it helps make the bones strong, develop the muscles, and increase overall growth, which makes it a perfect choice for kids. What makes paneer even more appealing is its soft and gooey texture and mild flavour, which blends easily with every vegetable, grain, and spice without being overwhelming for young taste buds.
From quick snacks to wholesome lunchbox meals, paneer can be changed into fun, colourful, and tasty dishes that kids will enjoy eating. With a little creativity, you can turn this simple ingredient into recipes that are not only tasty but also guarantee a balanced nutrition diet for growing children.
Paneer Vegetable Paratha
Stuffed parathas are the favourite of every kid. Adding paneer makes them richer in protein and filling. To prepare, grate some paneer and mix it with finely chopped carrots, spinach, and a light sprinkle of cumin powder to make a flavourful stuffing. Now, fill this stuffing in whole wheat dough. Cook the paneer vegetable paratha on a tawa with some ghee, and it turns out to be tasty, making it a perfect option for lunchboxes or even quick dinners. It is also a smarter way to add some veggies, with the mild flavour of paneer, to make sure kids enjoy every bite without fuss.
Paneer Tikka Wraps
Instead of the fried snacks or junk, you can give kids a wholesome paneer wrap when they demand something other than the usual meal. Simply, marinate some paneer cubes with yoghurt, turmeric, and some mild spices and lightly grill or roast them. Now, take a whole wheat roti and wrap it along with some cucumber slices, lettuce, and some hung curd spread instead of mayonnaise. The paneer tikka wrap adds a smoky flavour without being too spicy, making it fun and mess-free for kids to eat. Loaded with protein and fibre, it is an ideal after-school or dinner option.
Also read: To Paneer, With Love: 5 Paneer Dishes From Different Corners Of India
Paneer Bhurji Toast
A twist to the scrambled eggs, paneer bhurji is loved by kids when served with crispy multigrain toast. To prepare paneer bhurji toast, crumble some paneer and sauté it with onions, tomatoes, and capsicum in a light seasoning of turmeric, cumin and mild spices. Once the bhurji is prepared, generously spread it over crispy toast slices. This makes a nutritious breakfast or evening snack. The colourful veggies not only add essential vitamins but also make the dish visually appealing. It is a smart way to serve paneer in a different style, while making sure kids enjoy a protein-rich meal.
Palak Paneer Rice
If you are looking for a fuss-free meal option, then palak paneer rice is a lifesaver. Blanch spinach, blend it to make a smooth puree, and cook it with some rice, mild spices, and cubed paneer. The outcome is a vibrant green, creamy, one-pot meal that is both attractive and nutritious. Kids will get the goodness of iron from spinach and protein from paneer without even knowing they are eating something healthy. A squeeze of lemon or a dollop of ghee added from the top enhances the flavour, making it a tasty, comforting dish for growing kids.
Paneer Stuffed Idlis
If you want to make a creative South Indian-inspired dish, try stuffing the idlis with a paneer filling. Sauté some crumbled paneer with carrots, peas, and coriander and then spoon it into the centre of the idli batter before steaming it. The result is soft idlis with a surprise of cheesy-protein filling inside. Serve it with coconut chutney or tomato sauce, and these idlis will be both fun and healthy to eat. Kids love the hidden element, while parents will be satisfied by serving a nutritious, oil-free meal.
