I came up with the concept of creating SuperMeals for babies and toddlers because that’s exactly what the meals were that I was feeding my daughter. They were ‘Super’!
The ‘Super’ of SuperMeals refers to the extra health benefits associated with these meals over and above normal meals, due to the inclusion of carefully selected foods, SuperFoods and SuperSpices. When fused together they produce scrumptious meals, chock-full of nutritional value for babies and toddlers. In other words:
Regular Foods + SuperFoods + SuperSpices = SuperMeals
I’ve used the ingredients from my ‘Banana and Cinnamon Roti Roll’ recipe, as an example of how SuperMeals work in ‘Indian SuperMeals: Baby & Toddler Cookbook’:
Roti (Regular Food) + Banana (SuperFood) + Cinnamon (SuperSpice) = Banana & Cinnamon Roti Roll (SuperMeal)
The roti (Indian flatbread or chapatti) – fulfils the basic starchy food requirement to provide much-needed energy for baby
The banana – an excellent high-energy fruit provides potassium vital for heart function, healthy muscle growth and helps the body to absorb calcium
The cinnamon – contributes towards a healthy immune system, is great for digestion and brain function, as well as offers a warm fragrant sweetness
All of these health benefits wrapped up into one tasty snack that your little one will wholeheartedly munch on.
So rest assured I have created some simply delicious recipes that are powerful, energy-packed and well-balanced SuperMeals, boosting the antioxidant levels on your little one’s colourful plastic plate.
Here’s the recipe for your little one to enjoy. It’s simple, quick and delicious.
Banana and Cinnamon Roti Roll (V) — Stage 2: 7 months plus
Total preparation time: 5mins
Makes 1 serving
- 1 roti — cooked (ready-made will do)
- 1 tsp unsalted butter or ghee
- Sprinkle of ground cinnamon
- 1 banana — peeled, sliced
Warm the roti on a thava (round, flat frying pan), on a regular frying pan or in the microwave for 10-20secs. Spread the butter or ghee evenly over the roti and lightly sprinkle the cinnamon over it. Add the banana slices in a row, roll up the roti and cut into bite-sized pieces for your little one.
Extract from Indian SuperMeals: Baby & Toddler Cookbook by Zainab Jagot Ahmed – the UK’s FIRST Indian baby food cookbook
E-book available to buy now from Amazon and Waterstones.com from just £3.99.
