Veg Cutlets Recipe

One of the toughest tasks for a parent is to ensure that their little munchkin is consuming enough portions of vegetables, which are essential for their growth and development. This easy Veg Cutlets recipe, made from a mix of boiled and mushy vegetables, is not only a nutritional snack but also a creative way to include vegetables in their diet. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre, these cutlets are perfect for picky eaters who might otherwise avoid eating vegetables altogether. The vibrant colours, crispy exterior, and soft, flavorful interior of the cutlets make them incredibly appealing to children. Whether served as a snack or a side dish, they are sure to grab your toddler’s attention. Read on to learn how to make veg cutlets.

How to Make Veg Cutlets for Toddlers and Kids

Veg cutlets are loaded with the goodness of vegetables and are perfect for encouraging even the pickiest eaters to enjoy their greens. Follow this simple recipe for vegetable cutlets to whip up a nutritious treat in no time!

Cooking Time

Cooking Method

Gas Stove, Pressure Cooker

Type of Meal

Vegetarian

Suitable For

Toddlers older than 18 months of age

Meal Schedule

Snack or mid-day meal

Recipe Type

Side dish / Snacks

Ingredients

To make delicious and healthy veg cutlets for toddlers and kids, you’ll need a mix of fresh vegetables and a few pantry staples. Here’s everything you’ll need to get started:

For pressure cooking:

For cutlets:

For corn flour batter:

Instructions

Learn how to make Veg Cutlets by following these step-by-step instructions to make it your kid’s most loved snack:

• Rinse, wash and boil the vegetables in the pressure cooker. On cooling, mash them completely.
• Add about ¼ cup of breadcrumbs.
• Now add the chilli powder, cumin powder, garam masala, aamchur powder, ginger garlic paste, coriander and salt.
• Mix well with your hands to make a nice smooth dough.
• Next, take a bowl and prepare the cornflour batter by mixing the cornflour, maida, pepper, salt. Mix the water slowly to make a smooth batter that is lump free.
• Grease your hands with oil. Now take some portion of the dough and make small cylindrical or circular balls.
• Dip these balls into the cornflour batter one by one.
• Next, coat them with breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
• Heat oil in a kadhai and wait until it heats up. Once you see smoke coming, reduce the flame and deep fry the cutlets one by one until golden brown.
• Serve hot with a dip or tomato sauce.

Recipe Tips

This homemade Veg Cutlets baby food recipe can be perfected with some additional tips :

• Do not add too much water when cooking the vegetables. Adding too much water will make the vegetables too mushy.
• If the vegetable mixture is too mushy, add some more breadcrumbs.
• You can choose to bake the cutlets to make them more healthy instead of deep-frying them. Pre-heat the oven to 180 degree celsius and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Nutrition Information (Per 100 Grams)

Health Benefits

Veg Cutlets for toddlers is packed with the goodness and richness of vegetables. Read on to find out more about its health benefits:

• Potatoes are a rich source of carbohydrates and provide energy.
• Carrots are rich in Vitamin A and help in improving vision.
• Beans are a great source of magnesium, iron, protein, fibre, folate and potassium all of which are essential of the healthy growth of the body.
• Sweet Corn promotes digestion and stimulates healthy vision.
• Peas are also rich in Vitamin C and also help in digestion.
• Beetroot is rich in iron and a perfect cure for anaemia. It is also rich in minerals and vitamins like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K and Vitamin E.

Buying Guide

Here are a few things to bear in mind while shopping:

• Make sure you buy fresh vegetables. It’s always best to go for organic vegetables as they are free from pesticides and chemicals.
• You can use frozen peas if you do not have fresh peas. Buy frozen peas in sealed form from supermarkets and make sure to check the expiry date before use.
• Try to use whole-wheat or brown bread as it is a healthier option than white bread.

FAQs

1. Can I make veg cutlets without potatoes?

Yes, you can make veg cutlets without potatoes by substituting them with other binding ingredients like sweet potatoes, yam, or mashed chickpeas. These alternatives provide a similar texture and are equally nutritious.

2. How can I make veg cutlets more protein-rich?

To boost the protein content, you can add cooked lentils, mashed beans, tofu, or paneer to the mixture. Quinoa or amaranth can also be used as protein-packed additions.

3. Can I bake or air-fry veg cutlets instead of frying?

Absolutely! Veg cutlets can be baked in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes or air-fried at the same temperature for 10-15 minutes. Both methods offer a healthier, oil-free alternative.

4. How do I prevent veg cutlets from breaking while frying?

To prevent cutlets from breaking, ensure the mixture is not too moist by properly draining all vegetables. Adding breadcrumbs or cornflour as a binding agent also helps keep the cutlets intact during frying.

Crisp from the outside and soft from the inside, Vegetable Cutlets are a delightful snack and appetizer for kids. The shape of the cutlet can be made appealing for the kid and served with a dash of dip or ketchup.

References/Resources:

1. Kaenkumchorn. T, Anderson. J; Building Balanced Snacks to Feed to Toddlers; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/nutrition/Pages/Selecting-Snacks-for-Toddlers.aspx

2. A Silva Dias. J; Nutritional and Health Benefits of Carrots and Their Seed Extracts; Food and Nutrition Sciences; https://www.scirp.org/html/5-2701422_52066.htm

3. Vegetables and fruits; Newfoundland Labrador; https://www.gov.nl.ca/healthyeating/baby/offering-healthy-foods/what-foods-should-i-offer-my-baby/vegetables-and-fruit/

4. Children’s diet – fruit and vegetables; healthychildren.org; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/nutrition/Pages/Selecting-Snacks-for-Toddlers.aspx

5. Feeding your baby: 6–12 months; UNICEF; https://www.unicef.org/parenting/food-nutrition/feeding-your-baby-6-12-months

6. Rapson. J, Hurst. P, Hetherington. M, Conlon. C; Impact of a “vegetables first” approach to complementary feeding on later intake and liking of vegetables in infants: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial (Trials); National Library of Medicine; https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8314593/; July 2021

7. Paroche. M, Caton. S, Vereijken. C, Weenen. H, Houston-Price. C; How Infants and Young Children Learn About Food: A Systematic Review; Frontiers; https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01046/full; July 2017

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