Looking for menu planning inspiration? In this article, we’ll look at an extensive list of Pre-primary/Nursery/LKG/UKG menu ideas for Monsoon (Rainy season).
Want help planning out your menus? We’ve created a Pre-primary/Nursery/LKG/UKG menu planner that you can use to store meal ideas, take notes and plan your term meals.
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In the busy rooms of preschools, beyond the pastel-colored walls and amidst the laughter and playful chatters, there lies an aspect often overlooked, yet paramount to a child’s holistic development: meal planning. At this tender age, children are not just absorbing experiences, numbers and alphabets; they are forming habits, preferences, and relationships with food that will significantly impact their lifelong health and well-being. In these formative years, the significance of intentional, nutritious, and diverse meal planning cannot be overstated. By prioritizing this essential element, educators and caregivers are not merely feeding young bodies, but also nourishing young minds, fortifying their future and setting them on a path of wellness, discovery, and a positive relationship with food. Let’s look at some examples of healthy, cost-effective meals, using local seasonal ingredients, that you can put on the menu for children during Monsoon (Rainy season) in your Pre-primary/Nursery/LKG/UKG kitchen in India.
1. Vegetable Khichdi: A nutritious one-pot meal made with rice, lentils, and a variety of seasonal vegetables like spinach, carrots, and peas. It is flavored with mild spices and ghee, providing essential nutrients and energy.
2. Masala Oats: A healthy twist to traditional oats, this dish is cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. It is a quick and easy meal that provides fiber and essential vitamins.
3. Moong Dal Chilla: A savory pancake made with ground moong dal (split green gram) batter mixed with finely chopped vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers. It is a protein-rich meal that can be served with a side of yogurt or chutney.
4. Vegetable Upma: A popular South Indian dish made with semolina (rava) and mixed vegetables like carrots, peas, and beans. It is seasoned with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies, providing a wholesome and filling meal.
5. Spinach Paratha: Whole wheat flatbread stuffed with a mixture of spinach, onions, and spices. It is a great way to incorporate leafy greens into a child’s diet and can be served with yogurt or a side of vegetable curry.
6. Tomato Rice: A flavorful rice dish made with cooked rice, tomatoes, and spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. It is a tangy and aromatic meal that can be accompanied by a side of raita (yogurt dip) or cucumber slices.
7. Mixed Vegetable Pulao: Fragrant basmati rice cooked with a medley of seasonal vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, and beans. It is seasoned with whole spices like bay leaves, cloves, and star anise, providing a balanced and nutritious meal.
8. Corn and Capsicum Salad: A refreshing salad made with boiled corn kernels, diced capsicum, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes. It is dressed with lemon juice, olive oil, and a sprinkle of chaat masala, offering a crunchy and vitamin-rich snack.
9. Lentil Soup (Dal Soup): A comforting soup made with lentils, onions, tomatoes, and spices like ginger, garlic, and turmeric. It is a protein-packed meal that can be served with steamed rice or bread.
10. Vegetable Cutlets: Crispy and nutritious cutlets made with mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, and breadcrumbs. They are shallow-fried and can be served with ketchup or a mint chutney as a healthy snack option.
11. Carrot and Beetroot Paratha: Whole wheat flatbread stuffed with a mixture of grated carrots, beetroots, and spices. It is a colorful and tasty meal that provides essential vitamins and minerals.
12. Mixed Fruit Salad: A refreshing salad made with a variety of seasonal fruits like watermelon, mangoes, papaya, and grapes. It is a hydrating and vitamin-rich option that can be served as a dessert or snack.
13. Vegetable Dalia: A nutritious porridge made with broken wheat (dalia) and mixed vegetables like carrots, peas, and beans. It is cooked with mild spices and ghee, providing a wholesome and filling meal.
14. Spinach and Paneer Paratha: Whole wheat flatbread stuffed with a mixture of spinach, paneer (Indian cottage cheese), and spices. It is a protein-rich meal that can be served with yogurt or a side of vegetable curry.
15. Vegetable Raita: A cooling yogurt-based dish made with grated cucumber, carrots, and tomatoes. It is seasoned with roasted cumin powder and fresh coriander, providing a refreshing and calcium-rich accompaniment to any meal.
These meal ideas incorporate locally available ingredients, are cost-effective, and provide a balance of essential nutrients for 3-5 year-old children during the monsoon season in India
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| Location | India |
|---|---|
| Diet | Regular |
