Cricket Azima is a dynamic young professional chef who specializes in cooking for and with children.
She is the founder of The Creative Kitchen, based in New York City.
Cooking with your kids can be fun and educational. Let Cricket take you and your kids on a tour of world cuisine. Each article contains information on food-related culture and a corresponding recipe that’s been tailored to kids' tastes.
Food Hopping Destination: India Facts, activities and recipes from this large, southern Asian country. By Cricket Azima
India boasts the world’s second largest population.
Cattle are sacred in the Hindu religion; therefore most Indians don’t eat cow’s meat.
English and Hindi are the official languages, but there are 18 additional regional dialects!
Hindi Vocab: khanai (to eat)
Naan
Originating in northern India, naan is one of the most common breads in the country. Although traditionally prepared with yeast and baked in a tandoori oven, you can use baking powder and cook it on the stove to speed up the process at home. Dip the naan in the mango raita.
INGREDIENTS: 2 cups flour (or try whole wheat)
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1 egg
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil, plus oil (or cooking spray) for bowl and cooking
METHOD:
CHILD: In a medium bowl, combine flour, salt and baking powder. Set aside.
CHILD: In a small bowl, whisk together egg, yogurt and oil.
PARENT & CHILD: Stir the liquid mixture into the flour mixture to form dough.
PARENT: Transfer dough to a lightly floured work surface. While child is kneading dough, lightly oil a bowl.
CHILD: Knead dough for about 10 minutes, or until soft.
PARENT & CHILD: Place dough into oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 2 hours.
PARENT & CHILD: Divide dough into 4 pieces and form each into balls. Use rolling pin to flatten each ball into a round.
PARENT: Lightly grease a nonstick pan (cast-iron, if possible) and heat over medium-high temperature.
PARENT: Cook each piece until lightly browned on bottom, about 5 minutes. Turn bread and cook until other side is browned, about 5 minutes.
Serves 4
NUTRITION FACTS: Per serving: calories 302, fat 10g, protein 11g, carbohydrates 47g, dietary fiber 7g
Mango Raita
INGREDIENTS: 11/2 cups Greek yogurt
1 mango
1/4 bunch cilantro, or to taste
1/4 bunch mint, or to taste
Salt and pepper, optional and to taste
METHOD:
CHILD: Spoon yogurt into a medium-small bowl. Set aside.
PARENT: Peel and slice mango into strips for child to assist in cutting (if age appropriate and using plastic knife).
PARENT & CHILD: Dice mango into tiny pieces and stir into yogurt.
CHILD: Remove the cilantro and mint leaves from the stems. Tear leaves into small pieces. Mix herbs into the bowl of yogurt and mango.
PARENT: Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with naan.
Serves 4
NUTRITION FACTS: Per serving: calories 84, fat 0g, protein 8g, carbohydrates 12g, dietary fiber 1g
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India boasts the world’s second largest population.
, written and beautifully illustrated by Demi.
