#asktheexperts Please mention some healthy vegetarian food for my 18 months old son..

Question

Accepted Answer

Here's a list of healthy vegetarian food options suitable for an 18-month-old Indian baby:

1. **Homemade Cerelac:** Make a nutritious porridge using a blend of cooked rice, dal (lentils), and mixed vegetables like carrots, peas, and potatoes.

2. **Khichdi:** Cooked rice and dal (lentils) mashed together with vegetables like carrots, peas, and spinach. Add a dash of ghee for flavor and healthy fats.

3. **Soft Chapati:** Make soft chapatis using whole wheat flour and serve them with mashed vegetables, dal, or yogurt for added nutrition.

4. **Vegetable Upma:** Cooked semolina (rava) mixed with sautéed vegetables like carrots, beans, and peas. Season with mild spices like turmeric and cumin for flavor.

5. **Vegetable Dalia:** Cooked cracked wheat (dalia) mixed with finely chopped vegetables like carrots, beans, and tomatoes. Season with cumin and coriander powder for taste.

6. **Vegetable Idli:** Soft and fluffy idlis made from fermented rice and dal batter, mixed with finely chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, and bell peppers.

7. **Vegetable Soup:** Prepare a nutritious soup using a variety of vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, spinach, and lentils. Blend the cooked vegetables into a smooth puree for easy consumption.

8. **Paneer (Cottage Cheese) Cutlets:** Make soft paneer cutlets by mashing paneer with boiled potatoes and finely chopped vegetables. Coat them with breadcrumbs and shallow fry until golden brown.

9. **Fruit Purees:** Offer mashed or pureed fruits like bananas, apples, pears, and mangoes as snacks or desserts.

10. **Yogurt:** Plain yogurt is a rich source of calcium and probiotics. Serve it as is or mix it with mashed fruits for added flavor and nutrition.

11. **Boiled or Steamed Vegetables:** Offer soft-cooked vegetables like carrots, potatoes, peas, and beans as finger foods or as part of main meals.

12. **Moong Dal Khichdi:** Prepare khichdi using moong dal (split mung beans) instead of other lentils for a lighter and easily digestible option.

Ensure that all foods are cooked thoroughly and cut into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking hazards. Always supervise your baby while they are eating and consult with a pediatrician before introducing new foods or making significant changes to their diet.