Makhana Porridge Recipe

Lotus seeds or Phool makhana is an excellent weaning food option for your munchkin. These highly nutritious seeds can be added to your baby’s diet in many ways. However, this post will discuss a very easy Makhana porridge recipe that can be made with very few ingredients. Extremely light and easy to digest, this porridge is light on your baby’s tummy, too. Browse the following post and learn to make a simple and yummy makhana porridge recipe. Not only is it gentle on the stomach, but it also provides essential nutrients that support your baby’s growth and development. Perfect for introducing new textures and flavors to your little one’s diet, this makhana porridge can become a staple in your baby’s meal plan.

Simple and Yummy Makhana Porridge Recipe for Toddlers

Introducing new foods to your toddler can be a fun and rewarding experience. Makhana, or lotus seeds, is a fantastic choice due to its nutritional benefits and easy digestibility. Below, you will learn how to make makhana porridge, a simple and delicious recipe perfect for your little one.

Cooking Time

Makhana porridge is not only very simple but can be made in a jiffy! Here’s how much time you need at hand!

Cooking Method

Gas Stove

Type of Meal

Vegetarian

Suitable For 

Toddlers above 19 months of age.

Meal Schedule 

Breakfast or lunch

Recipe Type 

Main Dish

Ingredients

The homemade Makhana porridge baby food recipe requires very few ingredients. Here’s what you need!

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step directions to make this tasty Makhana porridge recipe:

1. Take lotus seeds or makhanas and cut each makhana into two.
2. Heat ghee in a pan.
3. Throw in the makhanas and roast them on medium flame. Keep stirring until the makhanas turn crispy and crunchy.
4. Remove from heat and transfer the makhanas on a large plate. Let it cool down.
5. Once cooled, churn the makhanas in a blender jar to make a fine powder.
6. Put water in a pan and bring it to boil. Keep aside.
7. In a bowl, put a heaped spoon of makhana powder and slowly add hot water. Keep stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
8. Once the desired consistency is acquired, add palm sugar and mix well.
9. Serve this yummy and nutritious porridge as breakfast or lunch option to your munchkin.

Recipe Tips

Keep the following points in mind when learning how to make Makhana porridge:

• Always add water slowly to avoid forming lumps or making the porridge lumpy. If required, you can adjust the consistency of the porridge by adding more water.
• You can replace water with milk for older babies for adding more nutritional punch to the dish.
• Almond powder can be added to enhance the taste and nutritional quotient of the dish.
• You can use jaggery powder or date sugar in place of palm sugar.
• You can add a teaspoon of ghee to the porridge to add earthy aroma and flavour.
• For older babies, chopped nuts such as almonds, cashew nuts, pistachios, etc can be added.
• You can make this porridge into a savoury delight by adding salt and cumin powder instead of any sweeteners.

Nutrition Information (Serving Per 100 Grams)

Here’s the nutritional content in Makhana porridge for babies:

The values mentioned above are for reference purposes only. Actual nutritional content may slightly vary in some cases.

Health Benefits

Here are some benefits of Makhana porridge for babies:

• These calcium-rich seeds are great for supplementing the increased calcium needs of your munchkin, which aids proper teeth and bone development.
• The low glycemic index and high amounts of carbohydrates help provide your little one with much-needed energy without being too heavy on the tummy. Makhanas are easily digestible, making them an ideal meal option, especially when your munchkin suffers from diarrhoea or other stomach ailments.
• Makhanas are gluten-free, making them an ideal option for babies with gluten sensitivity.
• Excellent source of protein, makhanas are great for strengthening muscles and bones in growing babies.
• Regular makhana consumption can improve kidney function in babies and young kids.

Buying Guide

Keep the following things in mind when buying ingredients for the recipe:

• Buy organic makhana or lotus seeds for the recipe.
• Remember to check the date of packing and the best-before date on the packet. Makhanas tend to go bad if not stored in proper storage conditions. Check for any signs of insects or worms.

FAQs

1. Can I store Makhana porridge for later use?

Yes, you can store Makhana porridge in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Make sure to cool it down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When reheating, add a little water or milk to bring it back to the desired consistency.

2. What are some variations of Makhana porridge?

You can add a variety of ingredients to Makhana porridge to enhance its flavor and nutritional value. Some popular options include pureed fruits like banana, apple, or pear, as well as vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for extra taste.

3. Can Makhana porridge help with teething discomfort?

Yes, Makhana porridge can be soothing for teething babies. Its soft texture makes it easy for babies to eat, and you can serve it slightly chilled to provide extra relief. Adding a little ghee can also help to make it more comforting and easier to swallow.

Makhana porridge is a great addition to your baby’s diet. It is nutritious and easy to digest, making it perfect for young tummies. This porridge is simple to make and can be flavored in many ways, making it a convenient choice for busy parents who want to prepare healthy, homemade food for their babies!

References/Resources:

1. How Much Makhana To Eat; Makhana.org; https://makhana.org/makhana-growers/how-much-makhana-to-eat/

2. Makhana Side Effects; Makhana.org; https://makhana.org/makhana-growers/makhana-side-effects/

3. Mahawar. H; A Report on Makhana (Foxnut) Production, Processing and Supply Chain; ResearchGate; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318960974_A_Report_on_Makhana_Foxnut_Production_Processing_and_Supply_Chain; November 2016

4. Rathod. R, Neve. G, Jain. A, Giri. P; A comprehensive review on health benefits and nutritional aspects of Foxnut (Makhana) (The Pharma Innovation); The Pharma Journal; https://www.thepharmajournal.com/archives/2023/vol12issue6/PartAY/12-6-480-945.pdf

5. Tehseen. S, Sarfraz. F, Muntaha. S, Ateeq. N, et. al.; Foxnut (Euryale ferox Salisb.): A Health Promising Fruit; ACTA Scientific Agriculture; https://actascientific.com/ASAG/pdf/ASAG-04-0930.pdf; December 2020

6. When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods; CDC Nutrition; https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/foods-and-drinks/when-to-introduce-solid-foods.html   

7. Starting Solid Foods; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/Pages/Starting-Solid-Foods.aspx

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