: A Simple, Nutritious Porridge For Babies Starting Solids
15 mins
Cooking Time
Easy
Difficulty
3
Ingredients
Veg
Diet
Ragi koozh is a soft, smooth porridge made of finger millet flour, which is one of the easiest first foods to give your baby. It is a simple dish that has been prepared by South Indian mothers and grandmothers for generations. Lovely for breakfast or as a weaning food, it's light on the tummy, tasty and will keep babies full for hours.
It only takes 10 minutes to make this ragi recipe at home. First, make a smooth ragi paste without lumps by mixing it with a little water. Homemade and sprouted ragi flour that has been ground and roasted lightly is better for babies, as it is easier to digest and does not have any additives. Place the paste aside until water comes to a boil in a pan. After the water starts boiling, reduce the heat and add the ragi paste slowly while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Continue cooking on low heat until it thickens and shines, stirring frequently, about 5 – 7 minutes. Let it cool to a comfortable warm temperature before serving. Serve it plain or diluted with a little formula milk.
This baby food recipe is rich in calcium and iron, which are essential for the healthy development and strong bones of babies. It is also easy to digest, which makes it safe even for the most sensitive tummies, making it a good first meal choice for babies.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
2 tbspRagi flour
1 cupWater
as neededFormula milk (optional, for mixing before serving)
Take 2 tablespoons of ragi flour in a small bowl and pour ¼ cup of water. Use a spoon or small whisk to mix thoroughly to form a smooth paste that pours easily and contains no lumps. Take your time at this stage because any lumps left will be difficult to break down later.
Description - Step 2
Step 2: Boil the water
Over medium heat, heat ¾ cup of water to a rolling boil in a small saucepan. If possible, use a heavy-bottomed pan, which ensures an even distribution of heat and prevents sticking or scorching at the bottom of the pan.
Description - Step 3
Step 3: Combine and cook
Bring the flame to low, and add the ragi paste to the boiling water a little at a time, whisking or stirring continuously. Stir until cooked, scraping the bottom and sides of the pan to prevent sticking. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thick, smooth, and shiny.
Description - Step 4
Step 4: Let it cool slightly
Once the heat has been switched off, allow the porridge to cool slightly until it is warm, but not hot, to the touch.
Description - Step 5
Step 5: Serve plain or with milk
Serve plain or add a little formula milk to loosen it to a smooth consistency so that infants can swallow easily.
It tastes best when served fresh immediately after cooking. It is not advised to store leftovers as freshly prepared porridge is best for babies' nutrition.
Yes, after the porridge cools a little, you can stir breast milk in. It is especially best for babies who are under one year old.
Yes, sprouted ragi flour is better and more easily digestible. This is an excellent option when cooking for infants.
The porridge should be thin and smooth, rather like a runny puree so that infants can swallow and digest it easily.