Mixed Millet Porridge Recipe for 9- 12 Month old kids

Introducing mixed millet to a 9 to 12 month old baby can be a nutritious and delicious addition to their diet. Here’s a simple and wholesome mixed millet porridge recipe suitable for babies in this age group:

Ingredients

Millet Mix: 2 tablespoons of Ragi (finger millet), Bajra (Pearl Millet), and Jowar (Foxtail millet)

Water: 1 cup

Breast Milk Or Formula: ½ cup (optional) (for added creaminess and nutrition)

Vegetables: finely chopped or pureed (carrot, pumpkin, or sweet potato are great options)

Ghee: 1 teaspoon

Instructions

1) Wash the millets thoroughly in water. If desired, soak the millets for 2-3 hours to make them easier to cook and digest.

2) In a saucepan, add the washed millets and 1 cup of water.

3) Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Cook until the millets are soft and fully cooked, which usually takes around 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

4) Add the finely chopped or pureed vegetables to the cooking millets. Continue to cook until the vegetables are soft. This usually takes an additional 10 minutes.

5) For a smoother consistency, you can blend the cooked millet and vegetable  mixture using a hand blender or in a regular blender.

6) Once the porridge has cooled slightly, you can mix in the breast milk or formula to achieve the desired consistency. Avoid adding it while the porridge is very hot to preserve the nutrients.

7) Stir in a teaspoon of ghee for added flavour and nutrition.

Nutritional Benefits

·  Millets: Rich in fibre, iron, and B vitamins, and they are gluten-free.

·  Vegetables: Provide vitamins (especially Vitamin A and C), minerals, and fibre.

·  Breastmilk/Formula Offers essential fats, proteins, and various vitamins and minerals tailored for infant nutrition.

·  Ghee: Adds healthy fats and calories, and helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.