How to Prepare Rice Powder for Babies

Introducing solid foods to your baby is an exciting milestone, and ensuring they receive nutritious and easily digestible food is essential for their growth and development. Homemade rice powder is one of the best first foods for babies starting from the 6th month. Made from old polished rice, red gram (toor dal), cumin seeds, and black pepper, this rice powder is rich in carbohydrates and proteins, aiding in digestion and providing essential nutrients. It's simple to prepare, gentle on your baby's stomach, and most importantly, babies tend to enjoy its taste. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of preparing rice powder for your little one.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Main ingredients: Rice, Red Gram
Shelf life: 15-20 days
Bowl measurement: 1 Bowl = 250 ml

Quick Navigation:

• Ingredients
• Procedure
• Step 1: Clean and Dry the Ingredients
• Step 2: Roast the Ingredients
• Step 3: Grind the Mixture into Powder
• Step 4: Store the Rice Powder
• How to Cook the Rice Powder for Your Baby
• Cooking with a Pressure Cooker
• Cooking Directly on the Stove
• Enhancing the Nutritional Value
• Serving Suggestions

Ingredients

Old Rice (Paatha Biyyamu): 1 Bowl

Red Gram (Kandipappu): 1/4 Bowl

Cumin Seeds (Jeelakarra): 1-2 tbsp
Black Pepper (Miriyalu): 8-10

Procedure

Step 1: Clean and Dry the Ingredients

Begin by thoroughly cleaning and washing the old rice and red gram (toor dal). Spread them out on a clean, dry cloth under a shaded area to dry completely. This may take a few hours depending on the humidity. Ensuring the grains are fully dry is crucial to prevent moisture during storage.

Step 2: Roast the Ingredients

In a pan over medium flame, add the dried rice, red gram, cumin seeds, and black pepper. Roast the mixture gently for about 10 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent burning. The roasting process enhances the flavor and makes the grains easier to grind. You'll notice a mild aroma when they are adequately roasted.

Step 3: Grind the Mixture into Powder

Allow the roasted ingredients to cool down to room temperature. Transfer the mixture to a blender or a food processor. Grind it into a fine powder. Make sure there are no coarse particles left, as a smooth texture is essential for the baby's easy digestion.

Step 4: Store the Rice Powder

Once the rice powder has cooled completely, transfer it into an airtight container. Storing it properly ensures it remains fresh and moisture-free for up to 15-20 days.

How to Cook the Rice Powder for Your Baby

You can cook the rice powder using a pressure cooker or directly on the stove. Here's how to prepare it:

Cooking with a Pressure Cooker

For every 1 scoop of rice powder, add 5-6 scoops of water in a small, heatproof container with a lid. Place this container inside a 1-liter pressure cooker containing about 1/2 bowl of water. Close the pressure cooker and cook on medium flame for about 3 whistles. This method ensures the rice powder is thoroughly cooked and reaches a smooth consistency.

Cooking Directly on the Stove

Alternatively, you can cook the rice powder directly in a saucepan. Mix 1 scoop of rice powder with 5-6 scoops of water, stirring well to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture over medium flame, stirring continuously until it thickens to the desired consistency.

Enhancing the Nutritional Value

You can add grated vegetables such as carrot, ridge gourd, or any other suitable vegetable to the rice powder before cooking. This not only enhances the nutritional content but also introduces your baby to new flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Before feeding, you may add a small amount of clarified butter (ghee) and a pinch of salt if necessary. Always taste the food before offering it to your baby to ensure it's neither too hot nor lacking in flavor. If you find it tasty, chances are your baby will enjoy it too.

Important: Whenever introducing a new food item to your baby, it is essential to consult your pediatrician first.

Now, your homemade rice powder for babies is ready to use. This nutritious powder can be cooked and served to your baby as a wholesome meal. It is gentle on their digestive system and provides essential nutrients needed for growth and development. Remember to start with a small quantity and gradually increase it as your baby gets accustomed to it. Always consult with your pediatrician before introducing any new food to your baby.