5-minute help
Very quick meals, snacks and emergency solutions for days when there is no time for proper cooking.
Important
The times are meant in a practical way: eat immediately, reheat quickly or finish in a few minutes using prepared leftovers.
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Yogurt rice from leftover rice
Cooling, soft, child-friendly.
Make right away
Stir cooked rice with yogurt, a little milk or water and a pinch of salt until creamy.
Optional: add grated carrot, pomegranate, coriander or a mild mustard–curry leaf tadka on top.
Good when
A child has little appetite, needs something mild or should eat quickly after school or daycare.
🥒
Raita bowl
Yogurt, vegetables, spice: done.
Make right away
Mix yogurt with salt, roasted cumin and finely chopped cucumber.
Serve with chapati, rice, bread or leftover dal.
Keep it mild
For small children, leave out chili and use only very little spice.
🥛
Sweet lassi
Drink, soothe, give a bit of energy.
Make right away
Whisk yogurt, water or milk, a little sugar or honey and a pinch of cardamom until frothy.
Use honey only for children from 1 year of age.
🍌
Banana with milk or yogurt
When no cooking at all is possible.
Make right away
Mash banana, mix with yogurt or milk and stir in oats if needed.
For babies and toddlers, always make it age-appropriate and soft, and serve without whole nuts.
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Chapati roll
Turn leftovers into a meal.
Make right away
Spread chapati with leftover vegetables, paneer, egg or dal and roll it up.
Cut into small pieces for children; serve spicy chutneys separately.
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Quick scrambled egg / bhurji
Egg, onion, tomato, done.
Make right away
Beat egg with a little salt, let it set in a small amount of oil and serve with bread or rice.
Keep it mild for children and always cook egg thoroughly.
🥣
Sweet semolina porridge
Warm, soft, simple.
Make right away
Briefly cook rava/semolina in milk or water, sweeten and round off with cardamom or banana.
Do not serve too hot; for small children make sure it has a soft consistency.
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Rice + dal shortcut
Pre-cooked dal saves the evening.
Prepare in advance
Freeze dal in portions or cook it the day before.
Dilute with water if needed, bring to the boil and serve with rice.