Bhagar Recipe

Bhagar or ‘Sama Ka Chawal’ is a popular delicacy commonly made during religious fasting days across India. Originating from Maharashtra, this millet-based dish is super easy to make and has all the health benefits that is needed for a growing baby or toddler. The addition of seasonal vegetables not only increases its nutrition value but also its taste. Samo seeds or the Barnyard millet used to make Bhagar grows among rice paddy and is considered to be a super-food rich in vitamins and minerals. Similar to rice in taste and texture, this millet resembles semolina or dalia. This traditional dish is a spicy pulao that is easily digestible and takes very little time to make. Bhagar for babies is a heavy meal that provides the best nourishment and energy required for not just babies but for the entire family.

Cooking Time 

Cooking Method 

Gas Stove

Type of Meal 

Vegetarian

Suitable For 

Babies of ages 11 months and above

Meal Schedule

Breakfast, lunch or dinner

Recipe Type

Main Dish

Ingredients

Instructions

You must be wondering how to make Bhagar delicacies! Bhagar can be used to make delightful dishes like Bhagar upma, Bhagar kheer, Bhagar dosa, idli or Bhagar dhokla just to add variety to your child’s diet. Here are the step by step directions to prepare Bhagar in the easiest way.

1. Wash the Bhagar well and drain out the water.
2. Heat ghee or oil in a non-stick pan.
3. Once the pan is hot add cumin seeds, curry leaves and let them crackle.
4. Add peanuts and small cubes of potatoes.
5. Add Bhagar and salt, and gently mix all the ingredients in the pan.
6. Add 1 cup of water and bring the Bhagar to boil while stirring continuously.
7. Cover the pan and cook in low flame so that all the water gets absorbed and the Bhagar softens.
8. Turn off the gas and garnish with fresh coriander leaves or curry leaves to serve it hot.

Recipe Tips

The below-mentioned points will be extremely useful for mothers who strive to achieve perfection in preparing this simple Bhagar recipe for their beloved baby.

• Remember to wash the millet well using filtered water using a strainer.
• Soak the millet for about 15 minutes by adding two cups of water before starting to cook.
• You can roast the Bhagar for a nutty flavour.
• The ratio of water is important to maintain the consistency.
• Being a rice variant, you can add other vegetables like carrot or peas without affecting its taste.
• You can add a little sugar to enhance its taste.
• Wash your hands well and only clean utensils should be used for cooking.
• Using a pressure cooker will reduce your cooking time.
• Cook the millet till it softens enough for your baby as half-cooked millet can cause irritation in the stomach.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Health Benefits

Here are the health benefits of home-made Bhagar baby food recipes.

• As Bhagar is a gluten-free grain, low in carbohydrates and sodium, it reduces the chances of rapid weight gain in babies.
•  Its high dietary fibre content makes the stomach feel full for a longer duration.
• Barnyard millet used for making Bhagar is a wholesome grain that is low in calories and glycemic index which makes it an ideal food for patients with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
• It is easy for the baby to digest Bhagar, thereby reducing bloating, preventing constipation and cramping.
• Bhagar also is a good source of iron for vegetarians as well as babies due to which it reduces the chances of anemia.
• Packed with highly digestible protein, it allows muscle building and proper functioning of all organs of your baby’s body.
• The potatoes and peanuts are important sources of vitamins and minerals that are essential for the growth of a baby.

Buying Guide

• Bhagar is highly economical but it is better to buy the organic variety from a good store.
• Read the ingredients label carefully before buying your ghee used for cooking this dish so as to ensure you avoid buying unhealthy vegetable oil.
• The coriander leaves and vegetables that you decide to add to this dish should all be fresh.
• It is important to check the expiry date of the ingredients used in this dish.

Homemade Bhagar can be introduced to babies of eight months of age. From a spoonful of your dish, you can gradually increase to quantity to satisfy your hungry child’s appetite. As Bhagar is a soothing and comforting dish, you can serve it more than once a week to improve their health and boost their immunity.