For growing kids, lentil provides much-needed protein energy. Pappu Annam or Rice mashed with cooked dal and ghee is the most common food fed to toddlers. With Konda having a great fondness towards Curd Rice, I managed her three years with that during our trips. Then her lunch used to be this Dal Rice.
Dal Rice and Curd are those very important dishes that you can rely on when traveling with small kids. After Peddu and Chinnu started school, I found this Dal rice to be a boon. I make it every day for them. Sometimes with Potatoes and other vegetables mashed in it.
Cook rice as you normally do.
Then having the cooked dal ready will be a great help. Make the Rasam and have it ready. Since Rasam takes about 5 minutes to get done, soak, and cook the rice first.
Since I used the same vessel as for making the rasam, the vessels are very much strained. I wanted it to be as natural as it was.
To make this Dal Rice, you need to have a strainer on hand.
Have the Rasam ready
In the pan, add 2 tsp ghee and the cooked dal
Saute well and add little water to dissolve the dal. Cook for 2 minutes.
In a bowl, scoop out the amount of rice you want to pack. I normally have the same vessel and use the same ladle for measurement.
The dal is all ready to be mixed in rice.
Transfer the cooked dal to the rice
Using the back of the ladle, mash the rice really well.
Next, use a strainer and pour the Rasam through it to sieve all the spices, tomatoes, etc. You will use just water.
Now again mix well.
Pour as much rasam as required for the rice to be soft and not solidified. Adjust salt, as it will less after adding the dal.
Notes: You can add any vegetable to this rice provided your kid eats. I add potatoes, carrots and beans at times. But ensure it is really mashed well. My boys are now 3 years, but there was a time when they refused to eat anything with this rice.
Priya (Yallapantula) Mitharwal says
Wow, that reminds me my childhood 🙂
Kiran says
Looks very delicious,kids sure will love but for now I want to have some for myself:-)
sanjeeta kk says
Feel like becoming a child again and try this version of rasam and rice!
Priya says
I love it, feel like having some..
Vegetarian Yogini says
Even as an adult I love dals! this one is looks so good- am sure tastes great and kids just love it!
Swati says
There is nothing in this world like Pappu Annam! This post takes me back to my childhood... I was a very fussy eater and the only things I would swallow were pappu annam and aloo fry 😀 and needless to say, they still remain a favorite today.
swapna says
Looks delicious,perfect for kids.