Quinoa Adai Dosa / Quinoa Lentil Crepe

Category: Breakfast / Dinner / Tiffin
Preparation Time: 10–15 mins + soaking time
Cooking Time: 2-3 mins per dosa
Servings: Makes around 10 - 12 dosas, depending on size and thickness

This is one of those recipes I’ve been making at home for the last few years. I started making this Quinoa Adai Dosa as a wholesome variation of our regular adai, and over time I’ve made it in a few different ways depending on what my family likes.

I use quinoa along with a combination of chana dal, toor dal, masoor dal, whole green gram and urad dal. With a few simple spices, it makes a filling and flavorful dosa that works well for breakfast or dinner.

Quinoa Adai Dosa

Since my kids enjoy a softer, dosa-like texture, I usually grind the batter smooth and make it like a dosa. But if you prefer a traditional adai, you can simply grind the batter a little coarser and keep it thicker. It tastes just as delicious that way.

Over the years, I’ve also started making this as an Egg Quinoa Adai Dosa for busy mornings. Adding an egg is an easy way to make it even more protein-rich and filling.

The amount of quinoa can also be adjusted depending on the texture you prefer. I use 1/2 cup quinoa when I want a crispier dosa, and 1 cup when I want it softer.

So, this is really one recipe with a few possibilities — make it smooth and thin like a dosa, keep it slightly coarse and thick like an adai, or add an egg for an extra protein boost.

This has been a regular in my kitchen for years, and I hope you enjoy making it for your family too! ❤️

Ingredients

• Quinoa – 1/2 cup to 1 cup
• Use 1/2 cup for a crispier dosa
• Use 1 cup for a softer dosa
• Chana dal – 1/4 cup
• Toor dal – 1/4 cup
• Masoor dal – 1/4 cup
• Whole green gram – 1/4 cup
• Urad dal – 1/4 cup
• Fenugreek seeds – 1/4 tsp
• Cumin seeds or fennel seeds – 1/2 tsp
• Dry red chillies – 2 (can skip for small children)
• Ginger – a small piece, optional
• Asafoetida / Hing – a pinch
• Salt – as needed
• Water – as needed
• Oil – as needed for making the dosa
• Optional Add ins: Finely chopped onions, coriander leaves, spinach or carrot

Banana Blueberry Muffins – Whole Wheat Muffins with Blueberries

Category: Baking / Kids Snacks / Breakfast
Preparation Time: 10–15 mins
Cooking Time: 20–25 mins
Servings: Yields around 12-15 muffins

Today I’m sharing a simple and delicious Banana Blueberry Muffin recipe made with very ripe bananas and frozen wild blueberries.

I usually like to use very ripe bananas in baking since they naturally add sweetness and moisture. For these muffins, I wanted to keep the added sugar to a minimum, especially since we are also adding blueberries. I use just 2–3 tablespoons of sugar, depending on how sweet the bananas and blueberries are.

I usually make these with 3 eggs, which gives the muffins a soft and moist texture. But you can also use 2 eggs and the muffins turn out well.

Banana Blueberry Muffins

These muffins are perfect for kids’ lunch or snack boxes and are also easy to whip up on a busy morning. When I pack muffins for lunch or snacks, I usually make them in a smaller size so they are easy to pack, quick to grab, and convenient for kids to eat. They can also be made ahead and packed for the next day’s breakfast or snack.

I used white whole wheat flour here, which is the flour I generally prefer for my baking. The combination of ripe banana, coconut oil and blueberries makes these muffins soft, flavorful and delicious!

Ingredients:

• Well ripe bananas - 4 nos, mashed
• Eggs - 2–3 nos
• Coconut oil - 6 Tbsp, melted
• Coconut sugar / Cane sugar - 2–3 Tbsp
• Vanilla extract - 1 tsp
• White whole wheat flour - 1½ cups
• Baking powder - 2 tsp
• Baking soda - 2 tsp
• Salt - a pinch
• Frozen wild blueberries - 1 cup (adjust as needed)

Method:

Mini Appams served with Instant coconut milk (Mini fermented rice pancakes with instant coconut milk)

Category: Breakfast / Tiffin /Kids Recipes
Cooking Time: ~2 mins 

Appam, a South Indian pancake, is a must-try! Made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk, it has a unique flavor. It’s bowl-shaped with a crispy edge and a soft, thick center. Traditionally cooked in an appachatti, a deep pan like a wok, it’s usually eaten for breakfast or dinner, often with a side of vegetable stew or sweetened coconut milk. The secret to appam lies in its fermented batter, and some recipes even include yeast!  

When you visit a South Indian restaurant, especially those that serve a buffet, you’ll likely find a live Appam counter. These are delicious, hot flatbreads served with sweet coconut milk. The line is always long, but it’s worth it for the taste. Everyone loves these appams, and they’re especially popular with kids. Everyone absolutely adores these appams, and they’re particularly beloved by kids.

Initially, I experimented with making appams using Idli/dosa batter, but I soon realized that it was best to make appam batter separately. Fermentation is the secret ingredient that makes appams soft, fluffy, and porous. If you’re not able to ferment the batter, especially during cold winters, you can try adding a pinch of cooking or baking soda. But that’s totally optional.

I have also tried using millets - Barnyard millet (Kuthiraivaali) and it came out very well. The ingredients for millet batter also given below.

I tried making mini appams in our cast iron paniyaram pan. At first, I thought I’d only make a few servings, thinking it might be a bit time-consuming. But guess what? These days, I’d rather make mini appams than the regular ones. They’re so tempting, not just for the kids, but for everyone! Plus, they’re easy to eat. Just pour some coconut milk over each one and enjoy!  

Appam with sweetened coconut milk is a heavenly combination, and I also love them with a spicy veg stew or kurma. Since we’re only getting frozen coconut here, making coconut milk the traditional way takes some time to thaw and extract the milk. So, I’ve decided to use the organic Thai coconut milk cans we get from Costco. This way, it’ll be super easy, quick, and the taste won’t be compromised at all! 

Ingredients: 
For Appam:

• Idli rice - 1 & 1/2 cups
• Raw rice - 1 & 1/2 rice (I used Sona masoori rice)
• Whole white Urad dal - 1/4 cup
• Methi / Fenugreek seeds - 1 Tbsp
• Poha / Thick aval - 1/4 cup
• Coconut milk - as needed 
• Salt - as needed
• Optional - Cooking / Baking soda - a pinch for small portion of batter 
• Oil - to drizzle as needed

Oats- Banana blender waffles (Gluten, Sugar & Dairy free)

Category: Kids Breakfast

Preparation Time: 5 mins 

Cooking Time: 10 - 15 mins

Servings: 3

Hey there! I’ve got another healthy waffle recipe for you. 

These days, I’m a big fan of blender waffles and pancakes. You just throw everything in the blender, blend it up, and voila! Waffles or pancakes are ready. It’s so easy, right?

Well, I was on the hunt for some easy but healthy protein-rich breakfast recipes, and I stumbled upon this one. I’ve tried it a bunch of times now, and I’ve tweaked it a bit to suit our taste preferences. It’s become one of our favorites!  

And guess what? We don’t add any dairy here - no milk, yogurt, or even dairy-free milk. And the best part? No added sugar or sweetener either and also using gluten free oats. These banana oat waffles are packed with nutrients and can even be packed for kids’ lunches or snack boxes. They’ll keep you full until your next meal!

I’m always on the hunt for yummy, quick, and healthy breakfast ideas to kickstart our days. It’s like a culinary adventure! 

Banana Ragi-Wheat Pancakes - Easy Blender Pancakes

Category: Kids Breakfast

Preparation Time: 5 mins

Cooking Time: 10 mins

Servings: 2-3

Hey, guess what? I’ve got another pancake recipe for you! I know, I know, pancakes are everywhere, but hear me out. They’re just so darn delicious, and everyone loves them, from little kids to grown-ups. 

Banana Ragi-Wheat Pancakes

Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “Why so many pancake recipes?” Well, let me tell you, I’ve never tried a boxed pancake mix. I mean, who needs that when you can make them from scratch? And let me tell you, it’s not as hard as it sounds. You can find all sorts of pancake mixes in grocery stores, but I’ve never been brave enough to try one. 

Since I started making pancakes, I’ve only made them from scratch, and I’ve had a blast experimenting with different flours and fruits. I usually stick to whole grain flours in my pancakes, waffles, and even all my baking recipes. And guess what? All the recipes on my blog use whole grain flour. I try to steer clear of bleached white flour as much as I can, but let’s be real, life’s too short for boring pancakes, am I right?

Pancakes are not just for breakfast! They’re also a fantastic idea for packing in lunch boxes for toddlers, preschoolers, and even elementary school kids. We can make them fun and tasty by adding different flavors and mix-ins to suit their tastes. I’ve used ragi flour, which is reddish in color and made from finger millet, whole wheat flour, and a small amount of almond flour to provide an additional protein boost.

Blender pancakes are a total lifesaver! They’re super easy to make and won’t leave a mess in the sink. Perfect for quick and easy breakfasts on hectic mornings.

Ingredients:

1. Ragi / Finger millet flour - 1/2 cup
2. Whole wheat flour - 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp (I used white whole wheat flour)
3. Almond flour (Blanched fine flour) - 2 Tbsp
4. Egg - 1 no
5. Well Ripe Banana - 1 no

Foxtail millet-Wheat Coin Pancakes

Category: Kids Breakfast

Preparation Time: 5 mins
Cooking Time: 10 mins
Servings: 2

Foxtail millet coin pancakes

Foxtail millet is a powerhouse of nutrients! It’s packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, and B vitamins. These nutrients are essential for a child’s growth and development. Plus, it’s easy for young children to digest, making it a great choice for their meals.

And guess what? It’s especially rich in iron, which helps prevent anemia in kids. Plus, the calcium in foxtail millet helps build strong bones and teeth. So, if you’re looking for a healthy and nutritious option for your child’s diet, foxtail millet is the way to go!

Foxtail Millet

Ingredients:

Dry Ingredients:

• Foxtail millet flour - 1/4 cup
• Whole wheat flour - 1/4 cup (I used white whole wheat flour /whole wheat pastry flour)
• Cane sugar - 1-2 tsp
• Baking soda - 1/8 tsp
• Salt- a pinch

Wet Ingredients:

• Milk -1/2 cup
• Butter, melted - 1.5 tsp
• Water - as needed (depends on the consistency)
• Vanilla Extract - 1/4 tsp

Yummy Coin pancakes with blueberries :)

Method:

• Sieve the dry ingredients into a bowl.
• Add the wet ingredients one by one.
• Gently mix everything together until you have a smooth batter.
• If the batter is too thick, add a little water.
• Heat a dosa tawa (griddle) over medium heat.
• Pour the batter onto the pan in the shape of a coin.

• Flip the pancakes over when the top starts to bubble.

• Cook the other side until it’s also golden brown.

• Remove the pancakes from the pan and repeat the process with the remaining batter.

• Serve the pancakes warm with butter and your favorite toppings, like honey or maple syrup.

Enjoy the coin pancakes with fresh fruits!

PB & J Pancake Bites / Whole wheat Strawberry Jam filled mini muffins with Peanut Butter spread

Category:  Breakfast / Kids Recipes
Preparation Time: 10 mins + 10 mins waiting time 
Cooking Time: 9-11 mins
Servings: yields around 15 mini muffins 

PB & J Pancake Bites

Peanut Butter and Jelly, or PB&J, is a classic combo that’s loved by many, especially kids in the US. On weekends, I like to switch things up and make pancakes, waffles, or muffins for breakfast. I’ve already shared some of my favorite pancake recipes with you, like these whole wheat pancake mini muffins and pancake doughnuts.

Whole wheat pancake mini muffins 

Pancake Doughnuts.

I’m experimenting with a new recipe for pancake muffins filled with fruit preserves or jam. It’s a tasty twist on the classic pancake! To make it even healthier, we can use homemade unsweetened peanut butter and fruit jam made with less sugar. What do you think?

These PB&J Pancake bites are made with whole wheat flour stuffed with strawberry preserves and topped with peanut butter spread. They’re absolutely delicious, super soft, and a hit with everyone!

Since we’re using fruit preserves, I’ve reduced the amount of sugar in the pancake batter, and we can even skip the sugar altogether!

For the eggless version, we can use the batter as in the pancake donuts recipe: Pancake Doughnuts

Super soft!!!!

Ingredients:

Dry Ingredients: 

• White Whole Wheat flour / Whole Wheat Pastry flour / Atta  - 1 cup
• Baking powder -  1/2 tsp
• Baking soda - 1/4 tsp
• Salt - a pinch

Wet Ingredients:  

• Egg - 1 no (at room temperature)
• Butter milk - 1 cup (I used 3/4 cup thick yogurt + 1/4 cup water)
• Sugar - 1 to 1 1/2 Tbsp (I used Organic unrefined sugar)
• Unsalted Butter - 2 Tbsp, Melted 

Mixed Vegetable Paratha / Mixed Veggies Whole wheat Flatbread

Category: Chapathi / Paratha   
Preparation Time: 15 mins    
Cooking Time: 20 mins    
Servings: 3 - 4 servings

Mixed Vegetable Paratha

Mixed vegetable paratha is an easy breakfast recipe for toddlers and kids. This can also be packed in kids lunch box along with some raita or simple yogurt. This is a great way to include veggies in our kids diet :)

This is very simple, just steam cook the available veggies, mash them, knead it with the dough and make parathas. This is not a stuffed paratha so it s perfect for busy mornings too.

Choice of veggies is up to us, but adding sweet potato or potato will yield softer paratha  so try to include one of them. 

Also we can include greens along with the veggies. We can add finely chopped spinach, methi leaves, coriander leaves or even spring onions. No need to cook the greens, we can just add them while making the dough. If needed we can steam cook the spinach for couple of mins and mash it along with the veggies.

Ingredients:

• Whole Wheat flour / Atta -2 to 3 cups (use as required)

• Mixed vegetables* -About 3 cups (I used 1 medium sized sweet potato, 1 carrot, 1/2 cup frozen green peas, 10 green beans)

• Ginger, grated - 1/2 Tbsp

• Ajwain / Omam - 1/2 tsp

• Coriander leaves - 1/4 cup, finely chopped 

• Garam Masala ** - 1/2 to 1 tsp

• Red chilly powder -  to taste

• Salt- to taste

• Oil / Ghee - as required

* We can use the following vegetables for making this paratha 

• Sweet Potato