When it comes to cooking for my little ones I am always on the look out for new ideas. Some thing different in terms of taste and texture. Offering variety to your child helps in developing healthy eating habits. So today's recipe is meat balls made with minced chicken and herbs cooked in delicious creamy raisin tomato and yoghurt gravy. Meat as we all know is an excellent source of protein and iron to satisfy your child's hunger and provide essential nutrients for their healthy growth and development. Eggs are another fabulous source of protein but it can be a cause of serious egg allergies in some children. The below recipe contains egg, so please be mindful of your child's dietary needs or issues if any. In addition to meat, fish and egg, veggies and fruits form a very essential part of your babies diet. Bear in mind that if your child is picky and not a greatest fan of veggies you are not alone. Having said this, there are means and ways of adding vegetables into your little ones diet.
Grating or blending veggies into meat balls, soups or sauces to add to pastas is a brilliant way to sneak and hide some extra goodness. Grated zucchini is barely visible! And so is carrot or broccoli. . The only side effect is your child will not learn to like vegetables. It is very important to remember that every kid may have to try a food ten times at least before they learn to accept it. So try to be consistent by offering variety in terms of taste, texture and striking a balance to do a bit of each, blending, grating and offering some veggies as a whole. This is my experience that I have gathered and learnt over the last 3 years and it gives me soo much joy to be able to share it with you all today.
Okay, so now over to the recipe.
To make 20 medium meatballs you will need:
500 grams chicken minced
1 medium read onion finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic crushed and finely chopped
1/2 zucchini or carrot grated
1 tablespoon sweet soya sauce
1 egg lightly beaten
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon light soya sauce
some lime juice
seasoning of white pepper
1 cup bread crumbs
2-3 tablespoon of finely chopped coriander or parsley or combination of both.
1/4 cup tasty cheddar or parmesan cheese works great, if you may. ( I did not add cheese this time)
1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Canola Oil
(For Adults you may spice it up with some chilli and black pepper!)
Step 1: In a bowl mix mince, garlic, onion, grated veggie, egg, breadcrumbs, sweet soya sauce, tomato paste, lime juice and breadcrumbs. Mix everything together and roll them into balls. In order to get perfect meat balls take some warm water in a bowl , wet your palms each time you roll the them. This will prevent the meat balls from sticking.
Once ready refrigerate, covered with a cling film for about 30 mins.
Heat oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Cook meat balls turning 8-9 mins each side for approximately 20 mins or so or until browned. Transfer to a plate. If you are planning to serve the meat balls on their own here you have them ready.
Allow to cool , check temperature before serving. You may serve with their favourite dip or sauce.
These meat balls are great snacking option and make excellent finger foods for your little bundle at about 8-9 months. I have pan fried them in this recipe as you can see, baking is great too.. specially for young babies. Simply preheat oven to about 180 degrees and slide in the meat balls nicely arranged on a grease proof baking sheet for about 15-20 mins or until they turn golden.
You do not need to add any extra salt or sugar in the recipe. The Meat balls get enough seasoning from the soya sauce and the tomato paste. The chicken stock used in the gravy will have enough salt that is needed and the raisins are the natural sweeteners. Recently I have learnt (from a very knowledgeable source) that raisins act as cleansers and are excellent for kids. I have also read that raisins are rich and concentrated source of energy, vitamins and minerals such as iron and calcium to name a few.
To make Korma Curry you will need the following:
1-2 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil/or any other cooking oil that you prefer
1 medium red onion grated.
1 teaspoon each of ginger garlic paste
1 teaspoon each of coriander and cumin powder
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 cup yoghurt
1/4 cup raisins/sultanas made to paste (use chicken stock to make paste)
1/2 cup diced tomatoes /canned.
1/2 cup chicken stock or water.
1/4 teaspoon garam masala powder
coriander of parsley finely chopped to garnish
Step 1:In a large non-stick wok or pan heat oil and add the onion. Fry the onions till they change color .
Step 2: Add ginger, garlic paste. sauté for a few minutes
Step 3: Add turmeric, coriander, and cumin powder. Again sauté for some more time and add the tomatoes. Keep sauting until the tomatoes change colour absorbs moisture.
Step 4: Add the raisin paste that you made. Cook for some more time add chicken stock. Remember the korma gravy is thick and not runny. Bring to boil and as the sauce start to thicken add the meat balls carefully, give it a gently stir. Simmer and cook with a lid on for about 7-8 mins or until the meat balls are cooked.
Step5 :Remove lid and stir in the youghurt. Sprinkle garam masala powder and the herbs.
Your meat balls are ready to serve. Serve warm with Rice, Pilaf, or cooked Couscous.Couscous is cooked semolina that you can get in supermarkets, cook as per instruction on the packet.
Enjoy..
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With deep care
Indrani..
Lovely recipe and such beautiful photographs !
ReplyDeleteWow yummy! i love chicken,and i really like this recipe easy,simple and look incredible.
ReplyDeleteHi Franklin, Thank you soo much for stopping by , ...it is a great hit in my family too!:-)
Deleteooh definitely am craving a korma right now! looks delicious..
ReplyDelete