Iron rich Baby Food Recipe: Jowar Ragi Dates Porridge for Babies

Iron rich Baby Food Recipe : Jowar Ragi Dates Porridge for Babies (7 months+)

Jowar Ragi Dates Porridge for babies and kids

Jowar or sorghum also known as little millet is a millet rich in fibre and protein and is a great addition to children’s diet. Ragi or Nachni is also a millet which is a storehouse of iron and calcium and when these to combine with dates, it makes one of healthiest food for children. Jowar Ragi Dates Porridge for babies and children can be made quickly and can be given to babies, toddlers and kids as breakfast, lunch or dinner.

To make this Jowar Ragi Dates Porridge, we will use jowar atta, ragi atta and dates. You can however even use whole grains but that takes a little longer. Jowar Nachni dates porridge is one of the healthiest baby foods as it combines two super millets as well as dates which are rich in iron.

Jowar Ragi Dates Porridge does not include any added sugar in any form and the sweetness come from dates and raisins which are both excellent for children.

This Jowar Ragi Dates Porridge is delicious and can be given to babies after 7-8 months of age. Jowar Ragi Dates Porridge is rich in protein, iron and calcium and keeps the baby full for good 3-4 hours. It is also rich in fibre, which helps in fighting constipation that babies often encounter upon starting solid food.

Jowar or jwar also known as little millet is a healthy millet that has been eaten in India since ages.

Jowar is rich in fibre and helps kids. who are prone to constipation.
It is a good source of protein and should be included in regular diet.
It is gluten free and can be given safely to those with gluten/wheat allergy.
It is known to boost immunity

J owar and Banana Halwa

Benefits of millets in children’s diet

Ragi or Nachni or finger millet is a powerhouse of nutrition.Ragi is a rich source of calcium and potassium as well as iron. It is gluten-free and, low in fat and is thus easy to digest.

Dates are also extremely nutritious and are rich source of energy and fiber and can regulate blood sugar. It is rich in vitamins and minerals and an excellent natural sweetener.

We have also used raisins here as sweetener along with dates but you can use either of them if do not have both available. Raisins are full of vitamins and minerals and an excellent natural sweetener. Raisins also help in alleviating constipation in babies.

Let us now see how to make Jowar Ragi Dates Porridge

Ingredients for Jowar Ragi Dates Porridge

1 tbsp Jowar atta

1 tbsp Ragi/ Nachni atta

Seedless Dates – 2

1/2 cup milk ( Use milk only for babies above 12 months, for younger babies use only water to make Jowar Ragi Dates Porridge)

1/2 cup water

Raisins – 6-8

Ghee – 1 tsp

Recipe

Soak dates and raisins in water for 1-2 hours. If you are in hurry, then soak dates and raisins in warm water for 15-20 minute.

Drain the dates and raisins and make a paste in blender using the soaking liquid.

For older kids, if you do not want to make a paste, then just chop dates in very fine pieces or grate and then cook with the porridge.

Mix water and milk together, heat it and keep it aside. Use milk only for babies above 12 months, for younger babies heat only water to make Jowar Ragi Dates Porridge.

In a pan, dry roast jowar and ragi flours on low heat for 2 minutes.

Add 1 tsp ghee to the roasting flours and roast the flours with ghee for another 2 minutes on low heat, till you can get the nice aroma.

Now add milk and water mixture and whisk briskly to avoid any lumps.

Once mixed well, add raisin and dates paste to this mixture and whisk well.

Cook till you get the consistency a little thinner than you want, as it will keep getting thicker as it cools.

Serve this porridge warm.

Jowar Ragi Dates Porridge

Point to remember for Jowar Ragi Dates Porridge

If you feel the Jowar Ragi Dates porridge has become too thick, you may add a little baby’s milk or whichever milk you give to adjust the consistency.
If avoiding milk, then cook the porridge completely in water and add a little formula milk/ breastmilk at the end before serving.
You can also make this jowar ragi dates porridge without adding milk
If you do not have raisins, you can skip them and make it only with dates too.
Jowar Ragi Dates Porridge is good to be served as a breakfast, lunch or dinner.
This jowar ragi dates porridge keeps the children full for some time and also gives them energy.