Before I had my son, I didn't quite care about cooking a balanced spread at home. I'd get by with some cereal and fruits and call it a day. Then everything changed. Once my baby started solid food, I had to make sure he was fed a variety of healthy meals to ensure he was getting all the nutrients and to tickle his palate. Things spiralled out of control when he became a toddler and became picky. Everyday was an experiment. Every week was different. Every meal a struggle. He wouldn't eat what we ate and I hated making multiple dishes because it felt like that was all I was doing.

Necessity is the mother of invention. So, when it comes to making meals for my boo, it is almost always a one pot meal - rice, dal and vegetables all in one dish. This recipe worked for him and you know what they say, don't fix what isn't broken. This recipe is what I make almost every single day. I make slight variations with regards to the vegetables and dal used but other than that, this is pretty much the blueprint.

Ingredients :

1. Rice - 1/3 cup

2. Lentils - 1/3 cup ( I used toor dal)

3. Spinach - 1/3 cup (chopped)

4. Tomato - 1 (medium sized)

5. Coriander - a pinch

6. Salt - to taste

7. Organic turmeric - 1 tsp

8. Water - 1.5 cups

9. Clarified butter / ghee - 1 tsp

10. Pepper - 1 tsp (optional)

Procedure :

1. Throw everything into a pressure cooker and cook for 5 whistles (5-7 mins). (or) cook rice per package instructions along with all the other ingredients in a vessel on low flame until cooked through.

2. Mix with some ghee and feed.

*Tadka optional. You can also use a slow cooker if you don't have a ravenous toddler clawing at your feet. Today is not one of those days.