Healthy Spices in Khichadi

Baby Food is supposed to be bland, but it is very initially like Rice mash or Apple Puree.I always tried fruits or veggies which have their own taste, so my kids won't get bored of food.I always added ghee, Jaggery or butter to give them nice taste in their porridge or puree.

Once baby grows big like 12 months onward, we can include Mild Spices like turmeric powder,garlic,ginger,cumin seeds,mustard seeds,cinnamon( just a pinch),cloves and cardamom.These spices have many health benefits and nice flavors which everybody can enjoy. These spices can be introduced in a very small amount like a pinch.

I always make a Spiced Khichdi (Rice and Lentils) with some spices in little amount.This will introduce them to nice taste and flavors.Avoid giving hot spices like red chili or green chili, they are not suitable for kids. I also add herbs like coriander leaves,spinach leaves,cilantro to this Spiced Khichdi

When I wanted to introduce spices to my kids , I have searched internet,asked pediatricians and my mom.I started with with single spice at a time with small amount.It is easy to identify baby's likes and dislikes, as well as allergies,if any.There are good sources at internet at Babycenter, Parents and many more.

Healthy Spices in Khichadi
Healthy Spices are good for Baby in small amount.Mild Spices like turmeric,cumin seeds,garlic,cloves can be introduced to infants at 12 moths age in Rice and Lentil,Khichdi Recipe.

Prep Time:15 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 cup Rice

2 Tbsp  Moong Dal

1/4 tsp Cumin seeds

1/4 tsp mustard seeds

2 garlic,chopped

1 clove

1/4 turmeric powder

Ghee

Coriander leaves 

Method :

1.Wash and soak rice and dal in water for half an hour.Drain the water.

2.In a pressure cooker, add the ghee.

3.Add cumin seeds,mustard seeds, cloves,garlic and saute for a few seconds on medium flame.

4.Add the rice and dal and saute them for a minute.

5.Add turmeric powder and salt as per taste.

6.Add 3 cups of water. and leave till 3 whistles.

7.Switch off the flame after 3 whistles and let the steam settle down.

8.Remove the cloves and mash the khichdi and feed your baby.

Tip: You can add pinch of cinnamon or cardamom powder to this khichdi to alter flavors for your baby.