Kiddie Pasta

Barilla has introduced new, smaller pasta (Piccolini) in shapes that appeals to kids and I picked a pack of wheel shaped pasta for my daughter who adores it. As far as she is concerned she can eat it just plain, with absolutely no seasoning or sauce. However, as a mom, I'm always trying to get in the veggies and make it more of a wholesome meal. Though she used to be such a spice lover once upon a time and used to lick up idli podi or spicy onion chutney all by itself, nowadays, either she doesn't like it so much or uses it as a ploy to get out of eating and sometimes even declares yogurt as 'kaaram' (spicy) - the brat!

I just made a mild vegetable base and tossed the pasta in it and she quite liked the combination. I have also varied the vegetables with some chopped capsicum or spinach and it has proved out to be pretty good.

KIDDIE PASTA


Ingredients:
Pasta (any shape) - 2 oz, dry
Onion - half of a small one, chopped
Tomato - half of a medium one, chopped
Carrot - 1, medium, peeled and cut into small cubes
Peas - a small handful (I used frozen)
Sambar powder - 1/4 tsp (optional)
Butter - 1 tsp
Olive oil - 1 tsp
Salt & Pepper - to taste

Method:

1) Cook pasta in plenty of salted water according to directions on box. Drain and keep aside. Combine carrot & peas in a bowl, sprinkle a bit of salt and add about a tbsp of water. Microwave this for 4 to 5 minutes till cooked.

2) Heat oil & butter in a pan and toss in the chopped onions.. when they turn transparent, add the tomatoes and salt, once they are mushy, add the microwaved vegetables.

3) Cook this till the flavours come together and add the pasta. Sprinkle with pepper to taste and remove from the stove. Hope this dish makes your kids happy :)