Kiddie Fruit and Veggie Raita

They say parenting is all about being selfless and getting priceless rewards. In the process of being an incarnation of all these qualities, we end up emptying gallon after gallon of patience. I might sound like a horrible mother saying so, but I would say you must be blessed and lucky if your toddler gobbles down everything you stash on her plate - Veggies and fruit, included!

My sonny boy S is not a fussy eater really (knock on wood!), but just like all you mom's out there I like to go an extra step to make sure he gets his daily dose of fruit and veggies. So, to balance out the patience and nutrition equation I decided why not throw in almost everything I had on hand into his snack bowl with some whole milk yogurt and some chaat masala? Makes for a great side at lunch/dinner time or wonderful simply as a snack! (Talk about getting in that much needed calcium)The crispy texture of the fruit and veggies combined with the smooth notes rendered by the yogurt can tickle even the picky-est of tastebuds for sure.

Make this once and do NOT lie to me about the number of spoons you shoved down your throat before you passed the bowl over to your little one!




Ingredients
1/4 Cup Cucumber, chopped into tiny cubes
2 tbsp Tomato, finely chopped
2 tbsp Red Onion, finely chopped
1/4 Cup Corn kernels, boiled/steamed
1/4 Cup Carrot, chopped and boiled/steamed (You can use raw carrots if you are use your child will be able to chew them)
1/4 Cup Iceberg lettuce, shredded
1/4 Cup Apple, chopped into tiny cubes
2 tbsp Orange, peeled and chopped into tiny pieces
1/2 Cup Thick, whole milk yogurt (Swap with non-fat yogurt if needed)
1/2 tsp Chillie powder
1/2 tsp Chaat masala
And, of course, some salt to taste!

Method
- In a large bowl, whip the yogurt to a smooth consistency
- Drop in all the veggies and fruit
- Add chillie powder, salt and stir until well mixed
- Top with chaat masala and serve chilled

Makes about 2 cups of scrummy raita!