The Perfect Porridge for Your 6-8 Month Old Baby

Porridge is packed with essential nutrients and provides a comforting base for their growing bodies. In this final instalment of our three-part series on feeding 6-8-month-old babies, we’ll guide you through the process of making a wholesome rice and moong dal congee, a perfect first meal for your little one.

Gather the Essentials

Before you begin your culinary adventure, gather the necessary utensils:

Ingredients:

1 cup yellow moong dal (washed, dried, and cleaned for stones)

1 cup brown rice (washed, dried, and cleaned for stones and husk) Craft the Powdered Base

Roast the yellow moong dal in a kadai or wok until a pleasant aroma arises.

Add the rice and roast for an additional minute before turning off the stove.

Allow the mixture to cool completely.

Grind the cooled mixture in a mixer or dry grinder until it reaches a fine rava consistency.

Store the powdered cereal in an airtight box, where it will stay fresh for about two weeks.

Prepare the Nourishing Porridge

Take 3 level tablespoons of the powdered cereal.

Add 18 tablespoons of water and mix thoroughly.

Place the mixture on the stove and stir continuously until it thickens.

Transfer the porridge to a pressure cooker and cook for two whistles. Alternatively, use an instant pot and set it to the “rice cook” function for 12 minutes.

Once cooked, let the porridge cool and transfer it to a clean, closed vessel. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours and used for two or three meals.

Adjust the consistency of the porridge to your baby’s preference by diluting it with breastmilk, dal water, curd, or vegetable broth.

Nutritional Value and Protein Complementation

A single serving of this porridge provides approximately 50 grams of raw powder, which can be spread over two or three meals. This serving size meets about 25% of a growing infant’s daily protein requirements.

The combination of rice and moong dal provides a complete protein profile, ensuring your baby receives the essential amino acids they need for proper growth and development.

Remember, every baby is unique, so observe their cues, adjust the consistency to their preference, and enjoy this exciting culinary journey together! All the best!