With Jr displaying an curiosity in no matter we eat, I’ve taken to experimenting with wholesome recipes, that are simply as nutritious as they’re inviting and scrumptious. Because it was only a matter of time earlier than he confirmed indicators of a candy tooth (it runs in our household), my latest efforts have been directed at perfecting baked treats, that are secretly filled with the non-negotiable substances integral to his toddler weight loss program. Assume something and all the pieces from ghee made with milk produced by indigenous cows to sprouted ragi (finger millet flour).
The outcomes have been revelatory, most just lately manifesting in a chocolatey tea cake, which is so inviting that our friends have needed to attain out for a second slice too. As somebody who’s used to dealing with butter and maida fairly liberally within the kitchen, it’s virtually unfathomable to think about that one can obtain an analogous mushy texture with out being reliant on refined sugars. As they are saying, although, the proof is within the consuming, and so right here we’re with a recipe that you simply should bookmark in your subsequent baking mission. In truth, in case your toddler is sufficiently old, you could possibly get them concerned too! Not solely are the actions a conduit for honing fantastic motor abilities, the act of baking can even facilitate an early grasp of mathematical ideas via the mise-en-place, measuring out substances. And to not point out, an additional hand within the kitchen is all the time welcome.
Additionally learn: Easy ideas to turn kitchen basics into exciting meals for toddlers
As ever, it’s provenance which is vital to capitalise on each the underlying well being advantages and the pure flavours implicit on this recipe. Most of my substances are sourced from Tillage, a distinct segment Mumbai-based organisation championing native and seasonal produce, sustainably sourced from farmers
The hero substances of this recipe are the iron-rich ragi and khapli– an extended grain wheat native to Maharashtra, which isn’t solely low on the glycaemic index, however can also be low on gluten and far lighter on the stomach as in comparison with common wholewheat flour. Ghee stands in for butter (and refined oil) with its host of heart-healthy advantages, whereas unprocessed jaggery imparts its trademark sweetness. If you wish to actually go the additional mile, use pure cacao powder fairly than cocoa powder, as it’s has extra antioxidants intact.
Additionally learn: The way to make toys in your toddler with easy kitchen staples
Recipe
Eggless ragi chocolate cake
Elements
(US cup = 240 ml cup)
¼ cup + 2 tbsp khapli wheat (alternatively use wholewheat flour)
¼ cup + 2 tbsp ragi flour
2 tbsp cacao powder (you should use cocoa powder too)
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
1/3 cup + 1 tbsp jaggery powder (alternatively, use coconut sugar)
1/3 cup (80 ml) melted ghee
1/3 cup + 2 tbsp (110 ml) milk
1 tsp (5 ml) vinegar
2 tbsp + 2 tsp (40 ml) thick yogurt
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
Technique:
Preheat the oven to 180C.
Line a small loaf tin or 6” cake pan with parchment paper, greasing it properly.
Sift collectively the dry substances in a mixing bowl and whisk properly to mix. Subsequent, combine within the jaggery powder.
Stir the vinegar into the milk after which pour it into your dry substances, adopted by the melted ghee and vanilla extract. Calmly whisk the yogurt individually earlier than including this in too.
Now gently fold the combination till the batter comes collectively and no seen streaks of flour stay. Don’t over-mix, as by doing so that you run the danger of a heavy and densely-textured cake.
Pour the batter into your cake tin till it’s three-fourths full. When you have any leftover batter, chances are you’ll pour it into muffin moulds and bake these too.
Smoothen out the floor of the batter with an offset spatula and press a number of chocolate chips on high (that is optionally available however beneficial!).
Bake the cake for 18-22 minutes (baking time will range relying in your oven). You could verify by plunging a toothpick into the centre of the cake–it ought to emerge principally clear with only a few moist crumbs connected. Don’t over bake this cake in case you need a mushy and spongy texture.
Let the cake quiet down on a wire rack after which unmould it. Watch out when slicing it, as it will likely be mushy and delicate. Get pleasure from with a cup of tea (for you) and a glass of milk (in your toddler).
Ayushi Gupta-Mehra is an economist, F&B marketing consultant, self-taught cook dinner and founding father of The Foodie Diaries®. Observe her adventures on Instagram @The_FoodieDiaries and @Mummylogues
