Carrots are loaded with nutrition and healthy elements. These bright orange-colored veggies are very important for toddlers and growing kids. Rich in beta carotene, vitamins B6, thiamin, and niacin, carrots boost the immunity of kids. In addition, these vegetables are rich in plenty of minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, copper, iron, and potassium. Read further to know some fun facts on carrots as well as Delicious Carrot Recipes for kids.
Fun facts about carrots
1. The carrot is a root vegetable. Its taproot is the most commonly consumed part.
2. The carrot is usually orange in color. However, one can also find red, purple, yellow, and white varieties.
3. Carrots were first grown as medicine, not food to cure a variety of ailments.
4. Surprisingly, Mel Blanc the voice of cartoon character Bugs Bunny hated carrots!
5. The largest carrot recorded is more than 8.6 kilograms! Surprisingly, the longest is over 19 feet!
5. Carrot seeds are so tiny that over two thousand seeds can easily fit in a teaspoon.
6. Eating carrots will improve night vision! No. It is just a myth put forward by the British in World War II. This was done with an intention to mislead the enemy about their military capabilities.
7. Baby carrots are actually manufactured! These are cut from a unique breed of carrot in order to create signature uniformity. The smallest varieties are called “carroteenies.”
8. Darker versions of carrots taste the sweetest.
9. Did you know, carrot leaves were once used as a fashion statement?! These were carried in the hair during 17th century England.
10. Carrots can change the color of your skin! Consuming carrots in large quantities will lead to carotenemia which gives a yellowish tint to the skin.
Delicious Carrot Recipes for Kids
Kids love veggies when the same appeal to their eyes and senses. Why not try some different carrot recipes for kids and induce them to have extra bites of this amazing vegetable.1. Healthy Carrot Soup
Try Recipe of Healthy carrot soup for kids!
This soup is a huge hit among toddlers and simple to prepare for moms.
Ingredients:
Butter - 1 tablespoon
Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
Celery - one stalk
Chopped onion – 1 big
Garlic - 2 cloves
Chopped carrots - 5 cups
Chopped parsley or coriander - 1 sprig
Vegetable broth - 4 cups
Water - 2 cups
Salt and pepper to taste
Related post- Health Benefits of Homemade Soups
Preparation Method:
Step 1: Add butter and oil to the pan.
Step 2: Throw in the onions and celery. Saute until they are cooked.
Step 3: It is time to add garlic and parsley.
Step 4: Cook for a few seconds.
Step 5: Add carrots, water, vegetable broth, and salt and pepper.
Step 6: Simmer for 30 minutes until the carrots are soft.
Step 7: Puree in a blender to make it smooth. Serve it warm.
2. Carrot Chips
Kids would love Carrot chips
This is a healthier version of traditional potato chips.
Ingredients:
Carrots - 2 large
Olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon
Sea salt -1/8 teaspoon
Preparation Method:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Wash and peel the carrots.
Step 3: Place the carrot slices in a bowl, and toss with olive oil and salt.
Step 4: Lay the carrots in a single layer on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Carrot Muffins
Delicious carrot muffins for growing kids
If you wish to prepare a healthy yummy breakfast for kids, try out Carrot muffins.
Ingredients:
Whole wheat flour - 2 cups
Cinnamon - 2 teaspoons
Ginger - ¼ teaspoon
Nutmeg - ¼ teaspoon
Brown sugar - 2/3 cup
Salt - ½ teaspoon
Baking powder - 2 teaspoon
Grated carrots - 2 cups
Grated coconut - ¼ cup
Pineapple pieces - ½ cup
Eggs – 2
Thick yogurt - 170 gm
Milk - ¼ cup
Coconut oil - 1/3 cup
Preparation Method:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Step 2: Add all spices, sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
Step 3: Stir well and add the coconut and carrots.
Step 4: Set the bowl aside.
Step 5: Mix eggs, yogurt, milk, and coconut oil in another bowl and mix until blended thoroughly.
Step 6: Add the carrot mixture to this bowl and mix well.
Step 7: Spread this batter into the muffin tray.
Step 8: Bake for 21 minutes at 400 degrees F.
Step 9: Cool and serve.
4. Carrot Fries
Excellent finger food for toddlers and preschoolers, try this recipe positively.
Ingredients:
Fresh Carrots - 12
Olive oil
Sea salt
Preparation Method:
Step 1: Wash and peel carrots.
Step 2: Cut carrots into sticks. Place on a cookie sheet and drizzle some olive oil on top. Stir to coat.
Step 3: Sprinkle sea salt on tray and toss.
Step 4: Bake for 20-25 minutes at 375 degrees. The sticks should be light brown in color.
5. Creamy Carrot Rice
Kids love rice. Add veggies like carrots and peas to make it colorful and nutritious. Here is another version. This recipe will serve as a wholesome meal for kids.
Ingredients:
Chicken broth – Freshly prepared or canned (1 can)
Fresh Carrot juice - 1 cup
Butter - 2 tbsp
Small onion - 1/2
Salt and pepper to taste
Long-grain rice - 1 cup
Grated Parmesan cheese - 1/3 cup
Parsley - 3 tbsp
Butter
Preparation Method:
Step 1: Add chicken broth, carrot juice, and 2 cups of water in a pan.
Step 2: Now place the pan over low heat. Allow the ingredients to simmer.
Step 3: Melt a teaspoon of butter and add onions to it.
Step 4: Cook onions in butter for 5 minutes over low heat. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Add rice and cook for about 4-5 minutes.
Step 6: Now, add 1/2 cup of hot chicken broth. Keep stirring until it is fully absorbed. Repeat the step until the rice is almost cooked.
Step 7: Add the rest of the butter and grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 8: Season with salt and pepper.
Serve hot!
6. Carrot Pancakes
Ingredients:
All-purpose flour - 1 cup
Baking powder - 1 tsp
Baking soda - 1/2 tsp
Table salt - 1/2 tsp
Cinnamon powder - 1/2 tsp
Nutmeg powder - 1/2 tsp
Ginger - 1/8 tbsp
Egg – 1 whole
Brown sugar - 2 tbsp
Buttermilk - 1 cup
Vanilla extract - 1 tsp
Grated carrots - 2 cups
Butter - 3 tbsp
For Topping:
Cream cheese – 100 ml
Powdered sugar - 1/4 cup
Milk - 2 to 3 tbsp
Vanilla extract - 1/2 tsp
Cinnamon for flavor
Preparation Method:
The Topping:
Step 1: Beat the cream cheese in a small bowl.
Step 2: Add all other ingredients mentioned above for topping and beat together.
The Pancake:
Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and ginger.
Step 2: Mix the egg, brown sugar, buttermilk, and vanilla in another bowl.
Step 3: Next, throw in the carrots and mix them with the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Melt a tbsp of butter over medium heat in a pan.
Step 5: Pour a ladle full of the pancake batter on the pan.
Step 6: Allow it to cook on one side and flip. Make sure the pancake is slightly brown on both sides.
Serve hot with cream cheese topping!
7. Maple Glazed Carrots
This is one of the most lovedcarrot recipes for toddlers. It will get your little ones drooling! Here’s how to get this perfect.
Ingredients:
Carrots – 1 Kg peeled and cut into pieces
Maple syrup - 1/4 cup
Unsalted butter - 2 tbs
Salt and black pepper to taste
Preparation Method:
Step 1: Add all of the above-listed ingredients along with 1/3 cup water in a skillet.
Step 2: Bring to a boil.
Step 3: Reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer until the carrots are tender.
Step 4: Allow to cool down and serve.
Related post-
