7 Comfort Food During Monsoons for Preschoolers

Monsoons, the enchanting miracle that unfolds when water falls from the skies, is finally here! The dancing raindrops, those tiny magic drops from above remind us of life’s delicate balance. Now is the time too, to think about what to feed our little ones – food that not only looks beautiful but is also nutritious. Comfort food during monsoons is like food for the soul.

List of Food Children Should Eat During Rainy Season

Fruits in All Shapes and Forms

Right on top of good and must-have foods for children is fruits, so rich in vitamins, especially when eaten fresh. Try to make fruits appealing for kids by cutting them into interesting shapes- green apple wedges, melon balls, orange segments and banana boats. Arrange the fruit in pretty dishes and let them pick and eat whatever they like. What’s not to love in a satisfying mixed fruit smoothie, especially when it delivers immune-boosting benefits? Berries, mangoes, bananas and chickoos, available during the monsoon season, can all be blended in, and a dollop of ice cream added for enhancing taste.  

Soups: The Ultimate Comfort Food During Monsoons

Delicious soups are perfect for warming little tummies and keeping them happy on rainy days and they are a great way to sneak in vegetables and nutrients. One can also shred in a few pieces of chicken for an added advantage. Soups can be termed as comfort in a cup or bowl. Serve them with fingers of buttered toast.  

 Who Can Say No to Snacks?

Delicious snacks and sides are perfect for munching on rainy days and can accompany main courses. Vegetable, fish and chicken cutlets or potato rolls are loved by a child, especially if he or she is allowed to dip them in a bowl of tomato ketchup or non-spicy chutney. Home made cookies, brownies, crackers and grilled cheese sandwiches can diminish the hunger pangs in between the main meals. Macaroni and cheese is an all time favourite and can be termed as a complete meal in itself. Children also love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and are ready to have them anytime. The important thing is for the child to enjoy what she eats and to get the much-needed energy for jumping and frolicking around.  

 Nothing Beats Homemade Meals

We must introduce our children to Indian food too. Besides the nutritional benefits of home-cooked meals, it teaches them about their country and culture. Roll out rotis and make them into bite-sized portions which the child can dip in dal or a vegetable or chicken curry. This way, they can pick and feel the food and enjoy the whole experience. Make dosas in shapes of smiley faces, kites, houses and flowers. Shape the batter into a rainbow to celebrate the monsoon season. Allow them to tell you what shape they would like you to make. Steam mini idlis and let them enjoy them with non-spicy sambar or chutney.

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Dhoklas, uppumaav and poha garnished with mustard seeds and curry leaves, pongal and khichri are comforting main meals delivering satisfaction and joy especially if served with a big spoonful of ghee! Accompany it with curd which is soothing and improves gut health. Thread paneer, vegetables, and chicken on skewers and let them pick up and eat. Intersperse it with green, yellow and red capsicum, purple brinjals and cherry tomatoes and watch their little faces light up! Introduce them to a variety of foods like alu mutter, egg bhurji and pav bhaji which they can enjoy.  

Comfort Food: The Simpler The Better

On rainy days, what can be more satisfying than eating a one pot biriyani – fragrant basmati rice cooked with rainbow-coloured vegetables and aromatic spices and herbs? Little ones also love dal tadka with its temperate spices and creamy lentils. When served with rice, it is the epitome of comfort in a bowl. It is definitely on the top of the go-to meals for satisfying the mind and body on rainy days.

You can fry up a couple of papadums to go along with it and let the children enjoy themselves by popping them and filling them with ingredients of their choice, whether it is veggies, salad or paneer. Allow them to have fun pretending that they are rain filled clouds! Alu parathas are known for their savoury deliciousness and comforting taste. They are a balance of softness from the mashed potato and a crispy exterior from the paratha fried in butter or ghee.  

 What’s a Meal Without Desserts?

No meal is complete without a delightful dessert to round off the comforting experience. The delectable gajjar halwa (carrot sweet) has a special place in the hearts of many young children, with its vibrant orange hue, rich texture and the comforting warmth of ghee and sugar making it a timeless classic. Rice pudding or kheer is a favourite with kids and soothes the body and soul. You can make a thick custard and mix in fruits like banana, apples and grapes to form a delicious fruit salad which adds colour to dark rainy days. Children like the taste of Shahi Tukra – the warm fried bread, milk and sugar garnished with dried fruits – which provide so much comfort during the monsoons.  

 Stay Hydrated Stay Happy

Keep preschoolers hydrated with soothing refreshing drinks. Hot chocolate is the clear favourite and can be topped with a swirl of cream if desired. Offer children freshly squeezed fruit juices sipped from colourful straws in rainbow colours. Coconut water is a refreshing health drink, and you can add lemon or mint to heighten the taste. Make sure to serve all beverages in beautiful glassware with maybe a flower or a lemon wedge to add visual appeal.  

Enjoy the Monsoon with Your Comfort Food

Allow our little ones enjoy the different nuances of the monsoons with a variety of foods and beverages. Let the child watch the rain pelting down from a window, or a light drizzle, while snacking on delicacies. Try to include your child in the cooking process – mixing the batter for banana bread or brownies or spreading butter on bread for egg sandwiches. Make sure to use a blunt knife to avoid children getting hurt. Being involved in the cooking and serving process ensures nutritional consciousness and the importance of a balanced diet in the child.  

Always ensure that food is served at an appropriate temperature. Be wary of any dietary restrictions or allergies. Buy a suction plate that sticks to the table and avoids spillage. Make sure to add turmeric or haldi to curries or stir it into milk since it has anti-inflammatory properties.  Whether it is a hearty soup, a comforting main course, a delicious snack or a soothing drink, enjoy it with your little one as you watch the dark monsoon clouds hover and the raindrops fall, bringing with them a palpable sense of relief and joy in the air!