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Moong Dal Khichdi (Rice and Lentil Porridge)

Moong Dal Khichdi (Rice and Lentil Porridge)

A gentle one-pot meal of soft rice and yellow lentils cooked with ghee and turmeric. Mild, cozy, and easy to mash for early eaters.

6-8mo+

10 min prep · 25 min cook · 35 min total · 4 servings

Milk

Ingredients

Contains optional added salt for older eaters. Skip it for babies under 12 months.

  • 120 ml rice, rinsed8.12 tbsp rice, rinsed
  • 60 ml moong dal, rinsed4.06 tbsp moong dal, rinsed
  • 600 ml water2.54 cup water
  • 1.25 ml turmeric, ground0.25 tsp turmeric, ground
  • 5 ml ghee1.01 tsp ghee
  • plain yogurt (for serving)
  • salt (to taste), for over-1s and adults only

Steps

  1. Rinse the rice and moong dal together under cool running water until the water runs clear.
  2. Add the rinsed rice and dal to a pot with the water and turmeric.
  3. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring once or twice so nothing sticks.
  4. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the rice and dal are very soft and mushy.
  5. Stir in the ghee, then mash to your desired consistency for younger eaters.
  6. Serve warm, plain or with a dollop of plain yogurt. For over-1s and adults, add a pinch of salt to taste.

Nutrition

Calories
160
Protein
6g
Fat
2g
Carbs
28g

Tips by age

6-8mo

Cook extra soft and blend or mash to a smooth, runny porridge, thinning with a little water, breast milk, or formula. Skip the yogurt or use a smooth unsweetened plain yogurt.

Choking safety: Ensure the mixture is fully smooth with no firm rice or dal pieces before serving.

9-11mo

Mash to a soft, slightly textured porridge that holds together on a spoon. A small dollop of plain yogurt can be stirred in.

Choking safety: Make sure the rice and dal are fully softened with no hard or dry clumps.

12-18mo

Serve soft and lightly mashed in scoopable spoonfuls. Let it cool to just warm before offering.

18-24mo

Serve as written, soft and warm. Offer a small spoon so your toddler can practice self-feeding.

2-3y

Serve as written. You can leave it a little less mashed for more texture and pair with a side of yogurt.

3-5y

Serve as written. Add a pinch of salt to taste if you like and offer alongside steamed soft vegetables.

5-8y

Serve as a full portion with yogurt on the side. Season to taste and add a few warm spices if your child enjoys more flavor.

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