Ragi porridge for babies is one of those very simple and gentle foods many moms like to start when baby begins solids. I have given 2 ways to make ragi porridge for babies one is with sprouted ragi flour which is instant when you have the flour in hand, another is with whole ragi which takes time. The taste is very mild, so babies usually have it without much trouble.

This porridge is mostly given for babies after six months because it keeps them little full for longer time and gives steady energy. This millet which has natural fiber, calcium and iron, so it is a good choice for growing babies. When cooked properly, it turns smooth and easy to swallow, which makes it very comforting as first food.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

About Ragi Porridge for Babies

Ragi porridge for babies is a very common traditional food made in many homes for years now. It is made using sprouted ragi flour or by taking out milk from soaked ragi grains. The flavor stays very light, and the porridge becomes thick nicely while cooking. The taste is plain, and still feels very nutritious and filling for the little ones.

The texture of this porridge is according to how much water you add and the time you cook the porridge. Some prefer it thin in the beginning, while others make it little thick when the baby gets used to solids. You can serve it plain, or add a little jaggery syrup later if the baby is above one year. Both ways gives smooth and gentle porridge.

There are two common variations of this porridge. One is sprouted ragi flour porridge, which is easier and gets done in shorter time. The other one is ragi milk porridge, where milk is extracted from whole ragi grains and this gives a more mild taste. Both ways give soft and creamy porridge, very suitable for early feeding.

I usually make the sprouted flour version on normal days since it is faster, and the ragi milk version only when I have few extra minutes. Small batch works best because this porridge becomes more thick as it cools down.

Ragi Porridge for Babies Ingredients

• Sprouted ragi flour - I have used this to make porridge smooth and give natural flavor. You can use regular ragi flour also if sprouted not available.
• Whole ragi grains - I have used this for ragi milk porridge when I want fresher flavor. Finger millet works same too.
• Water - I use water to get right flowing consistency, and add little more if it looks too thick.
• Jaggery syrup - I have added this only for babies above one year, it gives slight sweetness. You can skip or use any mild sweetener.
• Ghee - I add few drops as it helps digestion and gives soft taste, you can leave it out also.

Similar Recipes

• Cereals for Babies
• Baby Purees
• Baby Porridges
• Baby Soups
• Others

How to make Ragi Porridge for Babies Step by Step

Method 1

1.Add ¾ to 1 cup of water in a pan. Add sprouted ragi powder (I used homemade) to the pan.

2.It should be very watery like this. Whisk well so that there are no lumps. Add ghee to it and start cooking.

3.Let it cook in low flame, It will start to thicken, at this stage add your sweetener. I used palm sugar candy powder.

4.Keep cooking until it starts to coat the ladle as shown. At this stage switch off. The whole process will take 5-7 minutes in low flame.

Feed warm along with few drops of ghee or as such.

Method 2

1.Take ragi, rinse it well and soak it overnight. Rinse again and drain water. Take it in a mixer jar.

2.First give a quick blend 2-3 times then add water and pulse it again.

3.Take a muslin cloth, transfer and extract milk. Squeeze the cloth till milk is extracted well. The milk will be thick.

4.You can add little more water and pulse it again ,you will get thin milk. You can even use a strainer if you don't have cloth. Press it with a spoon and extract milk.

5.If you  find the milk too thick then add little water and then cook.Transfer the extracted milk to a pan and heat it up. Keep mixing with a ladle else it will form lumps if you leave it unattended. It will slowly get thick as you can see.

6.The milk will thicken,at this stage add ghee and cook for few more mins. If you are adding any sweetener add it at this stage.

7.Cook for few more minutes till its thick as shown. Cook in low flame.

8.When it gets thick, it will leave the sides of the pan more like pudding consistency, as shown below, switch off. As it cool down it may bet more thicker. Let it cool for few minutes, then feed.

Serve ragi porridge warm to babies.

Expert Tips

• Consistency - I usually keep porridge slightly watery at first, thicker porridge can be harder for tiny babies to handle.
• Sweetener - I have added jaggery syrup only after one year, you can skip completely if baby is below 1 year.
• Stirring - I usually keep mixing ragi while cooking, because it forms lumps very fast if left unattended.
• Cooking time - I have seen ragi takes time to cook well, slow cooking helps it get smoother.
• Cooling - I noticed porridge becomes more thick after cooling, so I switch off little earlier.

Serving and Storage

Serve ragi porridge for babies warm with few drops of ghee or plain if you want. This goes well as morning feed or small evening meal when weather is little cool. Leftover porridge gets very thick, so I don't recommend storing long. If needed, keep few hours in fridge and add warm water while reheating.

FAQS

1.Can I use regular ragi flour instead of sprouted?

Yes you can use regular ragi flour too, it just won't be as light as sprouted but still works fine.

2.Can I give it to under six months babies?

No its better to wait till six months, younger babies may not digest solids well.

3.Can I skip ghee?

Yes you can skip ghee, but few drops helps reduce dryness and makes it easier to digest.

4.Can I make this porridge in advance?

You can make little earlier, but it gets thicker while cooling, so you may need to add warm water.

5.Can I use sweetener for small babies?

For babies below one year it is better not to add jaggery or honey, you can give plain.

If you have any more questions about this Ragi Porridge for Babies do mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook,  Pinterest, Youtube and Twitter .

Tried this Ragi Porridge for Babies? Do let me know how you liked it. Also tag us on Instagram @sharmispassions and hash tag it on #sharmispassions.

📖 Recipe Card

The post Ragi Porridge Recipe for Babies (2 Methods) appeared first on Sharmis Passions.

Sweeteners for baby food are the natural alternatives to white sugar that are safe for babies. The taste is mild, not too strong, and blends well with all kinds of baby porridges, fruit mashes or purees. These sweeteners can be made using jaggery, palm jaggery or palm sugar candy. Each one has its own flavor and slight difference in taste. It is advisable to give sugar only after the babies turns 1 year.

Most store-bought sweeteners contain chemicals or refined sugar which is not good for small babies. Making your own natural sweeteners at home is very easy and safe too. I prefer using jaggery or palm sugar as it gives mild sweetness and also adds little nutrition. Once you make this, it becomes very handy whenever you prepare baby porridge or purees.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

About Sweeteners for Baby Food

Sweeteners for baby food is a simple and healthy way to make the meal tastier and easy to feed. It is one of those things I keep ready in my kitchen always. When we start feeding babies solid food, the taste matters a lot. Some babies eat only when their food taste a little sweet, so adding a mild natural sweetener really helps

Jaggery and palm jaggery are known for their iron content and rich taste. They also give a warm color and nice aroma to the food. Palm sugar candy, on the other hand, is lighter in taste and can be powdered and stored for a long time. The syrup form of jaggery and palm jaggery is useful when you want to mix quickly with any food.

The texture of these sweeteners is thick and smooth when made as syrup and fine when powdered. Once cooled, it can be stored in refrigerator and used whenever needed. You can choose whichever suits your baby taste and digestion.

I always prefer making small batch so it stays fresh. It save lot of time during busy mornings when baby is hungry and want food immediately.

Sweeteners for Baby Food Ingredients

• Jaggery - I used this for its rich taste and mild sweet. It also give nice color and add bit of iron to baby food. You can use organic jaggery for more purity.
• Palm Jaggery - I used this as it gives deep flavor and more nutrition. It is little darker and thicker than normal jaggery.
• Palm Sugar Candy - I have used palm sugar candy for light sweetness and it is good for babies who like gentle taste. You can powder it and use when needed.
• Water - I used little water just enough to immerse and melt jaggery. It help to make clean syrup without burning. You can adjust water as how thick you want the syrup.

Why This Recipe Works

• This recipe is a natural, safe and suitable for babies above six months.
• It is easy to make and keeps well in refrigerator for many days.
• The sweetness is gentle, so it does not overpower the baby food.
• You can make it in small or big batches depending on your need.
• It can be used in porridge, puree or even fruit mash to make it tastier.

Similar Recipes

• Cereal Recipes for Babies
• Baby Puree Recipes
• Rice Cereal for Babies
• Wheat Porridge
• Nuts powder

How to make Sweetners for Babies Step by Step

1.Measure jaggery and add it in a pan, add water and dissolve it well

2.Heat it up for 2 minutes just for the jaggery to get dissolved. Strain to remove impurities, Cool down then refrigerate.

3.Crush palm jaggery, I use my hand mortar and pestle. Transfer crushed palm jaggery to a pan.

4.Add water till immersing level. Crush it well using a potato masher.

5.Heat it up and cook for few minutes the jaggery melts completely. Strain to remove impurities.

6.Store the syrup, cool down then refrigerate. Now take palm sugar candy in  dry mixer, powder it and then store.

Refrigerate the syrups, use it as and when needed. You can keep the palm sugar candy powder in room temperature itself.

Expert Tips

• Use clean jaggery - I choose organic jaggery or palm jaggery so that it has less impurities. Always strain the syrup after melting to remove dirt.
• Cook till just dissolved - I have seen many overcook it but it is enough to heat only till it melts. If you cook more it becomes hard after cooling.
• Thickness matters - The syrup should be little thinner than honey. It helps to mix easily with baby food and keeps well too.
• Storage tips - I usually cool the syrup fully and keep in small glass jar. You can store and refrigerate it for around two weeks.
• Alternative sweeteners - You can try palm sugar candy powder when you do not want to make syrup. It stays fresh for long and very handy during travel.

Serving and Storage

You can use these sweeteners while making baby porridge, fruit puree or any healthy mix for babies. It blends easily and gives mild natural sweetness. Always use small quantity at first and see if your baby likes the taste. Keep the syrup refrigerated and take out only required portion each time.

FAQS

1.Can I give this to 5 month baby?

It is better to start only after 1 year when baby begins semi solids. Before that plain fruit puree is enough.

2.Can I use white sugar?

White sugar is not much recommended for babies as it give only empty calories and no nutrition.

3.How can I store the syrup?

You can keep the syrup in fridge for around two weeks. Just make sure to use clean dry spoon each time you take it.

4.Can I mix this with milk?

Yes, you can add a small amount of syrup to baby's milk porridge or ragi porridge for sweet taste. Mix only after cooling.

5.What if the syrup becomes too thick?

If it becomes thick, you can add little warm water and stir well before using. It will become smooth again.

If you have any more questions about this Sweetners for baby food do mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest ,Youtube and Twitter .

Tried this Sweetners for baby food? Do let me know how you liked it. Also tag us on Instagram @sharmispassions and hash tag it on #sharmispassions.

📖 Recipe Card

The post Sweeteners for Babies | Healthy Sugar Substitutes for Baby Food appeared first on Sharmis Passions.

Nuts Powder for Babies is an easy and healthy mix you can make at home. It is made by roasting and grinding nuts into soft coarse powder that mix well with milk, porridge or any baby-safe food. This is good for babies around 8 to 12 months when they start solids and need little extra nutrition for growth.

This recipe taste is mild and nutty, not too sweet or spicy, so babies take it easily without fuss. You can make small batch and use it for one or two week. It is simple to prepare with few ingredients and no much steps. Homemade nuts powder is always fresher than store ones, and you know exactly what goes in it.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

About Nuts Powder for Babies

Nuts Powder for Babies is made with roasted cashews, almonds and sometimes little pistachios. The nuts are roasted lightly and ground to coarse powder so they release natural oil but not turn into paste. This recipe makes it easy to mix into baby food without choking risk.

The cardamon in this recipe adds for mild aroma and flavor. It is safe for babies in small amount and gives nice smell. You can skip it if you want plain taste, but I like to add little for flavor. The smell is so nice, and storing it in clean jar keeps it fresh for long in fridge. It feels nice to have homemade healthy option ready anytime for my little one.

Making nuts powder at home also ensures there is no added sugar, salt or preservatives, which is always better for babies. The texture can be adjusted depending on age - little coarse for older babies and fine for smaller ones. It gives natural energy and helps in keeping babies full for longer time.

I usually make this powder in small batch during weekends. I roast nuts slowly and grind it just enough to make coarse powder.

Please remember mothers feed is the best and its always good to start with other food only after the baby finishes 6 months. These baby food recipes will help those who are not able to breast feed due to personal / medical conditions. Always consult your pediatrician before introducing any new food.

Nuts Powder for Babies Ingredients

• Cashews - I used whole cashews, they add mild sweetness, nutty flavor and add creaminess when mixed with porridge and helps in healthy weight gain. You can skip if needed but I like them in powder.
• Almonds - I have used with skin, it adds fiber and nutty taste. You can remove the peel if you prefer softer powder.
• Pistachios - I just some for richness and taste. You can skip if not available.
• Cardamom - I peel and add 2-3 cardamoms while grinding, it gives mild aroma and taste. You can skip if you want plain nuts powder.

Why This Recipe Works

• This recipe is simple and uses very few ingredients.
• It gives nutritious powder safe for babies starting solids.
• Coarse grinding makes sure nuts do not become paste and easy to mix.
• Roasting gives nice aroma and make the nutty flavor come out better.
• Homemade powder always stay fresh and free from any preservatives.

Similar Recipes

• Cereal Recipes for Babies
• Baby Puree Recipes
• Rice Cereal for Babies
• Wheat Porridge

How to make Nuts Powder Step by Step

1.Measure and get ready with your ingredients. Dry roast the nuts together until slightly brown spots appear here and there. Cool down.

2.Transfer the nuts to a clean dry mixer,peel the skin of cardamom, add it and grind it coarsely. Do not grind more, the nuts will release oil and it will become pastey.

Expert Tips

• Roasting nuts - I roast nuts slowly till light brown spots come. This gives flavor and makes grinding easier.
• Cool before grinding - I always let nuts cool fully before grinding, else they release oil and turn paste.
• Coarse grind - I just grinded them only little for coarse texture. This makes mixing easy in baby food.
• Dry mixer - Completely dry the mixer grinder and grind it. Even small moisture can spoil the powder.
• Optional - I keep the skin for fiber and nutrients. I have also used peeled nuts sometimes.

Serving and Storage

Serve Nuts Powder by mixing in milk, porridge or soft rice for babies. It gives nutrition and mild nutty taste. Store in clean airtight container in fridge. It stays good for 3 to 4 months. I make small batch mostly and use as needed so it stays fresh and tasty.

FAQS

1.Can I skip pistachios?

Yes, you can skip them, it still be good and nutritious.

2.Can I grind it finer for babies?

Yes, you can grind little more to make smoother texture for younger babies.

3.Do I need to roast nuts?

Yes, roasting brings flavor and makes grinding easy.

4.Can I store at room temperature?

I prefer keeping in fridge. I am not sure how long it stay good outside.

5.Can I skip cardamom?

Yes, cardamom is optional, powder will still taste fine without it.

If you have any more questions about this Nuts Powder for Babies do mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook,  Pinterest, Youtube and Twitter .

Tried this Nuts Powder for Babies ? Do let me know how you liked it. Also tag us on Instagram @sharmispassions and hash tag it on #sharmispassions.

📖 Recipe Card

The post Nuts Powder for Babies appeared first on Sharmis Passions.

Homemade Instant Cerelac is a simple and healthy porridge mix that you can make at home for babies. It is mainly prepared using poha and fried gram dal, then cooked with water to make a soft, smooth porridge. You can add a bit of jaggery syrup or salt to for babies above 1 year of age.

I like making this at home because it is fresh, no preservatives and you know exactly what goes into your baby's food. It is very light, filling and easy to digest. You can start giving this from 6 months onwards and keep it as a regular breakfast or evening meal. It is one of the easiest homemade baby foods that you can rely on.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

About Homemade Instant Cerelac

Cerelac is usually available in stores, but the homemade version is more natural and safe. This mix is made by dry roasting poha and gram dal, then grinding into a smooth fine powder. You can store it in airtight container and make instant porridge whenever needed.

This baby food is easy to prepare, just cook the powder with water until it thickens. You can make it plain with little salt or add jaggery syrup for natural sweetness. You can even make no-cook version by just adding hot water straight to the mix, it will turn into porridge without any cooking.

The porridge taste mild and creamy, and the soft poha makes it really smooth for babies. Fried gram dal gives some protein and keeps it filling. Adding ghee is optional but it gives richness and also helps babies digest better. You can prepare this in a small jar of this mix every month and store in fridge.

I used to make this for my babies. It helps a lot on busy mornings when baby is hungry that and you need to make something quick.

This is very handy during travel if you want to feed homemade cerelac for your baby. Homemade cerelac powder for babies is a baby food base ingredient used for making porridge for babies.

Homemade cerelac powder for babies is made by roasting poha & fried gram dal separately and then grinding & mixing it to form a powder. How to make Homemade cerelac powder for babies is posted here with step by step pictures. Ideal for 6-12 months babies.

This Homemade Instant Cerelac can be started once the baby starts 5 months(Check my notes). I usually make it as porridge heating and cooking for sometime but during travel I just add it to hot water and mix it.

NOTE : But remember mothers feed is the best and its always good to start with other food only after the baby finishes 6 months. These baby food recipes will help those who are not able to breast feed due to personal / medical conditions. Always consult your pediatrician before introducing any new food.

Homemade Instant Cerelac Ingredients

• Poha - I have used thin poha, and dry roasted lightly to bring nice aroma. It gives smooth base for porridge and makes it easy to digest.
• Fried gram dal - This adds protein and also gives a nutty taste to the porridge, you can slightly reduce if you want a milder flavor.
• Ghee - I just added little ghee to make it richer and give good fats, but you can skip if you don't want.
• Jaggery syrup or salt - Use jaggery syrup for natural sweetness or little salt if you want it plain. Adjust based on your baby age and taste.

Similar Recipes

• Cereal Recipes for Babies
• Baby Puree Recipes
• Nuts Powder for Babies
• Rice Cereal for Babies
• Wheat Porridge

How to make Cerelac Powder Step by Step

1.Measure and keep the ingredients ready.I used thin poha. Dry roast for few mins until it turns slightly crisp and nice aroma comes.Do not let the color change.

2.Cool for few mins, then grind it to a fine powder,Set aside.In a pan dry roast gram dal till slightly golden,Let it cool then transfer to a mixer jar.

3.Grind it to a fine powder.You can mix both the powders well with a spoon or sieve it once.

4.Sieve it once,discard if any specks are found.Store the powder in an airtight container.

Homemade Cerelac powder is ready.

How to make Cerelac for Babies Step by Step

1.Measure and keep the ingredients ready. Boil water, add cereal mix and whisk it well to avoid lumps.

2.Cook in low flame.It will become thick.Add ghee and keep cooking.

3.Cook till it comes together like a porridge.You can see the consistency here.

4.Add salt (OR) jaggery syrup. Mix well cook for few minutes then switch off.

5.For no cook version : Add hot water to the serving bowl, add cereal mix powder mix well with  spoon.Add salt/jaggery syrup mix it and feed.

Serve warm immediately.

Expert Tips

• Roasting - I just always roast poha and gram dal on low flame, it is important for flavor and easy grinding.
• Grinding - Make sure to grind it very fine, I usually sieve it once to remove small bits.
• Serving age - For babies under 6 months, cook the porridge well before feeding, I don't prefer raw mix at that stage.
• Consistency - The porridge thickens as it cools, so switch off a little earlier if you want softer texture.
• Storage - I store the mix in airtight box, it stays good for few weeks in fridge, don't keep too long outside.

Serving and Storage

Serve Homemade Cerelac warm right after cooking, as babies prefer it soft and slightly runny. You can feed it as plain or add ghee and jaggery syrup if your baby likes sweet taste.

Leftover porridge should not be stored, always make fresh for babies. The powder mix can be stored airtight for weeks, but the prepared porridge has to be eaten immediately.

FAQS

1.Can I skip gram dal?

Yes, you can skip gram dal if your baby doesn't like it, but then porridge will be lighter.

2.Can I prepare in advance?

You can make the powder in bulk and store, but porridge should always be made fresh.

3.Can I feed without ghee?

Yes, ghee is optional, but adding small quantity is good for digestion and growth.

4.Is jaggery safe for babies?

Yes, jaggery is safe for babies after 1 year, use clean homemade jaggery syrup, not raw chunks.

5.Can I use thick poha instead of thin?

Yes, but roast a little longer and grind very fine, else porridge will not be smooth.

If you have any more questions about this Homemade Cerelac for Babies do mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook,  Pinterest, Youtube and Twitter .

Tried this  Homemade Cerelac for Babies ? Do let me know how you liked it. Also tag us on Instagram @sharmispassions and hash tag it on #sharmispassions.

📖 Recipe Card

The post Homemade Cerelac for Babies appeared first on Sharmis Passions.