Winter is here and all the mothers are concerned about their kids' health that keeps them warm from those cold, winter days. But not to forget, winter calls for some extra care when feeding your little one. It’s important that you include foods that enhance their immunity and protect them from cold and flu. 

As fussy as kids are, it's not always easy to feed your little ones nutritious food hence, you need to be a little creative to get them to eat food that is good for their health. Here are some food recipes that will give your baby the right nourishment, keep them warm in this cosy weather and won’t be too time consuming. 

Recipes to Boost Your Immunity This Winter

1. Gajar ka Halwa- It is known as ‘superfood’ for good reasons as it is loaded with antioxidant beta-carotene, which converts into vitamin A in the body which is  good for healthy eyes, skin, and most importantly for the immune system. Carrots are a good source of soluble fiber which improve your digestion and can also slow down the aging process. 

You can make the sinful gajar ka halwa with fresh carrots during the winter season. It is a traditional dessert in India which is mostly prepared in winters to keep the body insulated.

This recipe is loaded with fresh carrots along with loads of ghee, nuts, and milk which has essential nutrients to boost the immune system. You can replace white sugar with either palm or brown sugar to make it healthier.

Suggested Recipe

• Carrots: 3 grated
• Milk: 1 cup
• Palm/Brown sugar: ¾ cup
• Ghee: 3 tbsp
• Cashews: 10
• Raisins: 1 tbsp

Wash, peel, and grate three carrots. Take a tablespoon of ghee and fry the cashews and raisins in it. Once the nuts are fried, remove them from the pan and add the grated carrot to it and saute until the raw flavor goes. Then add milk and cook on medium heat. Once you feel the milk is absorbed, add sugar and until the halwa thickens, add fried cashews and raisins. In a few minutes, turn off the flame.

The goodness of the ingredients used in this recipe will give you a power-packed meal.

Spiced Milk With Nuts- During winters, these recipes are a wonderful way to include the goodness of dry fruits in your baby’s diet. The nuts and spices in this recipe will keep your little one will surely help your kid build his immunity.

Nuts used in this recipe helps a toddler gain strength and also improves their immunity. Its mild aromatic flavor makes it even more tempting.

Suggested Recipe

• Almonds- 10
• Shelled pistachios- 10
• Cashews- 10
• Cardamom powder- ½ tsp
• Nutmeg powder-  ¼ – ½ tsp
• Saffron strands- 2-3
• Milk: 1 cup
• Sugar- as per taste

Blend the nuts in a mixer till you get a powdery mix and add the cardamom powder and nutmeg powder to the nuts and mix well. You can store this nut mix in an airtight container. Pour the milk in a pan but do not boil it then add sugar to it and mix well. Add the nut mix allowing the milk to thicken. Take the pan off the heat and garnish this delicious drink with strands of saffron and some more nut mix.

3. Fluffy & Cheesy Scrambled Eggs- Eggs are not just the most versatile food item but are also so easy to make. They are considered as a rich source of protein and are loaded with vitamins and minerals that will help in the growth and development of your child. 

Suggested Recipe

• Eggs- 2
• Water- ¼ tbsp
• Butter- ½ tbsp
• Shredded cheddar cheese- 2 tbsp
• Salt and pepper to taste

Whisk the eggs in a bowl and add water and salt and pepper to it. In a pan, melt the butter and pour the egg mixture and stir it for 3 to 5 minutes or until soft curds start to form. You can soon take it off the heat and add cheese  (optional) to it.

4. 4. Garlic-Butter Broccoli- Broccoli is a fibrous vegetable full of vitamins and minerals that are essential for a child’s development. It also promotes bone development and is rich in antioxidants. Additionally, garlic is also used in the recipe which boosts immunity and protects the body against the flu and cold.

Suggested Recipe

• Broccoli- 1 bunch or ½ kg
• Garlic- 2 cloves, minced
• Butter- 2 tbsp (unsalted)
• Salt and pepper to taste

You can boil the broccoli in lightly salted water till it becomes tender. Separately in a pan, melt the butter and cook the garlic till it softens then the cooked broccoli to it. Mix it with salt and pepper. This dish can be served as a quick snack.

5. 5. Cream of Tomato Soup- This dish is a combination of delicate and tangy taste made with cream, spices, and fresh tomatoes. It is a wholesome and healthy dish packed with vitamin C which boosts natural immunity. A bowl of tomato soup is very refreshing and energizing.

Suggested Recipe

• Tomatoes: 3 to 4
• Onions: 1 tbsp, finely chopped
• Garlic: 4 small cloves, finely chopped
• Bread cubes: optional
• Butter/ghee: 1 tsp
• Pepper powder: ½ tsp
• Fresh cream: 1 tsp

Wash the tomatoes well and then boil them. Grind the boiled and peeled tomatoes to make a fine puree. Toast the bread cubes separately in a pan in some butter. You can also add the chopped onions and garlic to the remaining melted butter. Later add pureed tomatoes once the onions turn golden in color and  ¼ cup of boiled water on a medium flame. Add salt, pepper, and fresh cream and mix well with garnished toasted bread cubes.

Few more Vegetables to Boost Your Kid’s Immunity This Winter

1. Spinach

It is not just great for health but is an excellent source of vitamins A and K, and iron that can help fight bacteria and viruses, thus preventing your little one from any infections. It will also support heart health and will keep your kid energized.

1. Mustard Greens (Sarson)

These crispy green leaves are an underrated player in the green leafy family but are actually a powerhouse of phytonutrients that you should definitely include in yours as well as your kid’s winter diet. They are packed with antioxidants and are also an excellent source of fiber. Recipes like yummy sarson ka saag and makke di roti are a staple dish in winters.

1. Capsicum

Bell peppers are a great source of Vitamin C, hence are good for the immune system. It’s known to boost your little one’s metabolism. You can add this vegetable to make your kid’s dish more colorful and visually pleasing.

1. Beetroot

This vegetable requires an acquired taste but these earthy and deep red veggies are packed with potassium, iron, manganese, and vitamin B6, which makes them the best winter foods. 

1. Sweet Potatoes

They are inexpensive and readily available during winters as they are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, and also a healthy alternative to potatoes. They are a good source of vitamin D which is a great immunity booster.