Keep hearing about the "multitasker" mom and wondering if I fit into this bracket or not. After all, I have mastered the art of discreetly checking my Facebook messages as I read a story book to my 4 yr old. I usually catch up over the phone with my friends as I wait for the school bus to arrive - hoping its slightly late when I am in the middle of particularly juicy gossip. While working hard on meditating in a passive manner, with complete focus on visualization, my mind starts envisioning the outfit I can wear for my date night. As I grudgingly go through my exercise routine, it seems like every possible distraction is right there for the taking - whether its the cook calling to figure out the lunch menu or DH trying to reach me to pay bills or Mom calling to discuss a wedding in the family. I mean, what is a woman supposed to do? Keep exercising? Not me for sure!!
Add to this a book club, an NGO, coffee dates, shopping and kids activities - and you suddenly get an answer to why I am always busy, but, for the most unexplainable reasons.
Of course, some of my time is spent in the kitchen experimenting with recipes to try and find the sort of lunch box ideas that are quick to make, healthy to eat and bring a guaranteed smile on the boys faces...which is really what this post is about :).
There are two ways to make this. Heat oil in a frying pan. Moisten a slice of bread by sprinkling with some water (do not over moisten). Lay a slice of cheese on it and add around a 1 inch ball of the stuffing in it. Using some fine motor skills, make it into a ball shape, ensuring the no part of the stuffing can come out. Dip the ball in the coating mixture. Ensure that the gram flour mix is not too thick or too thin. Add water or flour as needed.
Take a coated bread ball and gently insert in hot oil. Cook on all sides and after it reaches a warm brown color, take out and drain on a paper towel. Slice the ball when slightly cooled and add to the lunch box with some fruits.
In the second method, moisten the bread as before and slice it into 4 equal squares. Place the stuffing generously on one side and cover with the other slice. You can add the 1/4 square of cheese slice here as well. Then dip in the coating mix and fry as above.
Eitherways, you will have a hit on your hands. This version was served with raw mangoes sprinkled with some sugar. What can I say, my boys have varied tastes :). If you add a side of sprouts, similar to the recipe in Match Made in Heaven, you will have a complete and well-balanced meal!
Add to this a book club, an NGO, coffee dates, shopping and kids activities - and you suddenly get an answer to why I am always busy, but, for the most unexplainable reasons.
Of course, some of my time is spent in the kitchen experimenting with recipes to try and find the sort of lunch box ideas that are quick to make, healthy to eat and bring a guaranteed smile on the boys faces...which is really what this post is about :).
Bread Fritters/Pakodas
(Makes 2 servings)
This one brings back the most amazing memories from my childhood. My mom standing by the kitchen stove, frying these early in the morning and packing a few extra in my lunch bag for my friends. There really is nobody like mom!
4 fresh bread slices (I used brown bread) with edges removed
For the stuffing:
1 large boiled potato
1 tsp finely minced cilantro
Pinch of red chili powder and cumin powder
Salt to taste
For the coating:
1/3 cup gram flour (besan)
Pinch of Chilli Powder, Cumin Powder, Turmeric Powder
Garam Masala Powder
2 tsp of hot oil
Warm water for mixing
Mix the coating ingredients in a bowl using a whisk
Oil for Frying
Add 2 slices of cheese if desired
Green Gram Lentil Pancake
(Makes 6 pancakes)
These are so good for you - they are light, healthy and superbly tasty! You can choose to add the filling or eat it plain with either mint and cilantro chutney or simply ketchup!
1/2 cup Split Green Gram Lentil washed and soaked in warm water for 2 hrs
3 cloves garlic
1 inch piece of ginger
1/2 green chili
2 tbsp. cilantro
1/4 tsp cumin seeds
1 pinch of asafetida (optional)
1.5 tsp oil for the mix
Salt to taste
3 tbsp. of oil for cooking (separate)
For the filling: (optional)
2 tbsp. freshly grated coconut
Skinny Potato Sticks (store bought)
Ketchup
Cilantro for garnish
Take the soaked lentil with minimum amount of water (save the water on the side in case you need it to bring the correct consistency) and add all the other ingredients with it in a food processor and blend. Add water as needed. I like the grainy texture of the mix since it creates a nutty texture to the pancake. Spread the mixture on a non-stick pan using a well-rounded spoon and using a tsp, spread 1 tsp of oil around the edges of the pancake. Try to make this thin. If it is thick, simply cover the pan with a flat lid and allow the pancake to steam cook.
Cook the pancake on both sides and place on a plate. Add the filling by first spreading some ketchup (or the mint chutney for adults), then adding the potato sticks, grated coconut and chopped cilantro. Fold and put in a foil. Eat right away or add to the lunch box (put the potato sticks on the side) and let the fun begin!
Dosa with a Twist
(Makes as many as you can have!)
As is the case with most recipes, this one was discovered accidentally. It hurts me to admit it, but, it was created by DH!! It happened on a Sunday dinner when the boys suddenly decided that they wanted pancakes and just when I was willing myself to get up and get started on them, DH came up with the idea of using the Dosa batter. Seriously - pure genius. The boys could not stop eating these and I keep getting dosa mix made, only to have it like this!!
Dosa batter (store bought is fine as well)
Nutella
Butter
In a non-stick pan, spread the dosa mix (add less salt than you normally would) and spread butter around the edges and the center. Once the dosa bottom appears to have become crisp, add the nutella spread (ensure its at room temperature). Roll and serve or roll and cover in foil and send with the kids as the best kind of lunch - healthy, tasty and sweet!!
Oh well. You realize that to succeed as a "multi-tasker", you need to get inspired from the past, work with the present and allow the DH to occasionally experiment in the kitchen. After all, how else can you sit back and enjoy a glass of wine with your favorite book (as you check your inbox occasionally)?
