Tiny Tastes: Toddler-Friendly Bento Boxes with Mini idli and beetroot uttapam

Beginning with the importance of introducing toddlers to a variety of flavors and textures. Bento Boxes are colorful and nutritious meals that are also finger-food friendly for little ones to manage.

The Bento Box Concept: Bento box is perfect for portion control and offering a variety of foods in one meal.

My Toddler's First Mini Idlis and Coconut Chutney Delight: These bite-sized steamed cakes are ideal for tiny hands. I have paired them with a side of coconut chutney for dipping, which adds a creamy texture and is a delicious way to introduce a mild flavor of spices.

Beetroot Mini Uttapam: Talking about the vibrant mini uttapams made with a mix of fermented rice and lentils, with the added goodness of beetroot for a sweet taste and a nutritional punch.

Salad Bites: There is a addition of a simple, crunchy salad comprising bite-sized pieces of cucumber and carrots. For it is important to introduce raw vegetables for texture and fiber.

Tips for Preparing and Packing: I have used mini idli maker to make coin sized idli and have tried making colored mini uttapam with a healthy option beetroot puree for pink color. For crunch, I decided to go for simple finger sized cutting.

Nutritional Breakdown:To provide a nutritional breakdown for the items in the Bento box:

1. Idli:

• Protein: Around 1-2 grams per idli.

• Carbohydrates: Approximately 8 grams per idli.

• Fiber: About 0.5 grams per idli.

• Fat: Minimal, generally around 0.1-0.3 grams per idli.

• Vitamins and Minerals: Idlis contain B vitamins, especially B1, B2, B3, and B6, as well as trace minerals like iron and potassium.

2. Coconut Chutney:

• Protein: Approximately 1 gram per tablespoon.

• Carbohydrates: About 3 grams per tablespoon.

• Fat: Around 10 grams per tablespoon (primarily from coconut, which contains saturated fats).

• Fiber: About 2 grams per tablespoon.

• Vitamins and Minerals: Coconut chutney can be a source of manganese, copper, selenium, phosphorus, potassium, and iron, depending on the other ingredients added.

3. Cucumber:

• Water Content: High, approximately 95%.

• Protein: Less than 1 gram per 100 grams.

• Carbohydrates: About 3.6 grams per 100 grams.

• Fiber: About 0.5 grams per 100 grams.

• Vitamins and Minerals: Cucumbers are a good source of vitamin K, potassium, and antioxidants.

4. Carrot:

• Protein: Approximately 0.9 grams per 100 grams.

• Carbohydrates: Roughly 9.6 grams per 100 grams.

• Sugar: Around 4.7 grams per 100 grams.

• Fiber: About 2.8 grams per 100 grams.

• Fat: 0.2 grams per 100 grams.

• Vitamins and Minerals: Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A (from beta-carotene), as well as a good source of vitamins K, and B6, and minerals like potassium, and antioxidants.

I encourage as a parent to try out this Bento box idea and to get creative, don't foget to share your own versions.