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Moong Dal Khichdi

Moong Dal Khichdi

A mild, creamy Indian rice and lentil porridge with warming spices and carrots. Gentle on developing stomachs and naturally nutritious.

6-8mo9-11mo12-18mo18-24mo2-3y

35 min · 3 servings

Milk

Ingredients

  • 0.33 cup white rice
  • 0.25 cup split yellow moong dal
  • 2.5 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon ghee
  • 0.13 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 0.13 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoon finely carrot

Steps

  1. Rinse the rice and moong dal together under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. In a small saucepan, warm the ghee over low heat. Add the turmeric and cumin and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant (do not let them burn).
  3. Add the rice, dal, grated carrot, and water. Stir well and bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat to the lowest setting, cover, and cook for 20 to 22 minutes, stirring every few minutes and adding a splash more water if it looks dry. The finished khichdi should have the consistency of thick, soft porridge.
  5. For 6-8 month servings, blend fully smooth or press through a fine sieve.
  6. For 9 months and older, leave as a soft, spoonable mash with no firm pieces. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories
155
Protein
6g
Fat
3g
Carbs
26g
Iron
1.8mg
Calcium
25mg

Tips by age

6-8mo

Blend completely smooth. Thin with a little breast milk, formula, or cooled boiled water.

Choking safety: Ensure fully smooth with no intact grain or dal pieces.

9-11mo

Serve as a smooth-to-lightly-mashed porridge consistency. Small soft lumps are fine.

Choking safety: No firm pieces. Both rice and dal should be fully softened.

12-18mo

Serve as a thick porridge. Child can self-feed with a spoon or scoop with fingers.

18-24mo

Add a small spoonful of plain whole-milk yogurt on top for extra calcium and creaminess.

2-3y

Serve as a full bowl. Fine-dice a soft vegetable such as peas or cooked pumpkin to stir in for variety.

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