Back to school – it’s time for Zvieri

Literally translated, ‘Zvieri’ means “zu vier” or at 4. Loosely translated, it indicates the time for mean a mid-afternoon snack that energizes the little ones before they can complete their homework and head out for another round of play or get into any extra-curricular classes that they are attending. So here are some delicious takes on ‘Zvieri’

Children most definitely look forward to drinking something along with their snack. During the hot and sunny days, something cooling is preferred. I have put together many ideas on how to stay hydrated during the warmer months of the year in my article linked here. My little man loves these chia seed summer coolers:
https://namasteswitzerland.ch/2019/08/08/drink-up-and-stay-cool/

For the colder days, there is always hot chocolate or tea of your choice. https://namasteswitzerland.ch/2020/01/08/tea-decoded/

I prefer to let my son eat fruit that is hard to pack or which spoils easily in school snack boxes at this. Half a bowl of yoghurt (dairy or plant-based) topped with half a bowl of soft berries makes a quick and yummy snack.

Broccoli Paneer Tikkis

On colder rainy days, these broccoli paneer tikki’s are warm and comforting. 

Method

1. To get started, heat up a pan with a tablespoon of cooking oil of your choice. Add in the minced onion, garlic and ginger and sauté for 2 minutes. Then add the minced broccoli and sauté for a few more minutes. Add in some salt and the spice mix that you prefer. I added some dried powder spices such as coriander, cumin, chilli and tandoori mix. Cook it for a couple of minutes till the water content in the broccoli is almost gone. Add in the crumbled paneer. Check the seasoning. It needs to be slightly more salty and spicy than you need the burger to be.
2. Take the pan off the heat and let the mixture cool down to room temperature. Now add in the flour and bread crumbs and it should come together like a dough. One can prepare to this stage, cool completely and store in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Alternatively, shape into patties, individually wrap them in cling foil and store them in a zip lock cover in the freezer until a month.
3. The patties are easier to shape if the dough is chilled in the fridge for an hour. If you are running out of time, you can shape the patties immediately and pan fry these with a little oil. They still do hold up quite well. Serve these warm with the chutney of your choice or tomato ketchup.

Banana Chocolate Puffed Pancakes

For a sweeter snack, these banana chocolate puffed pancakes are just right. 

Method

1. Mash the bananas in a bowl and stir in the brown sugar till the sugar is dissolved. Sieve the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder into a bowl. Add the milk, oil and vinegar to the banana mixture. Now add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir. Stir in the chocolate chips. Warm up your paniyaram pan or a Danish Ebelskiver pan. Grease the pan and cook these (covered) for about 2-3 minutes, flip it carefully and let it cook on the other side.
2. Alternatively, if one doesn’t have a paniyaram pan or a Danish Ebelskiver pan, use a regular pan to make these into flat pancakes.

Hope you enjoy cooking up some of these recipes for your little ones.

Disclaimer: Opinions and methods expressed are solely of the writer. Namaste Switzerland does not undertake any obligation or liability which may arise from the content.