what is the correct time to dosa for babies

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Accepted Answer

Dosa can be introduced to babies as a part of their solid food journey, typically around 8-10 months old, after you have already introduced simpler foods like rice cereal, pureed fruits, and vegetables. Here's a simple recipe for dosa suitable for babies:

### Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup rice (preferably parboiled rice)
- 1/4 cup urad dal (black gram lentils)
- Water for soaking
- A pinch of fenugreek seeds (optional, enhances fermentation)

### Instructions:

1. **Soaking:**
   - Wash the rice and urad dal separately. Soak them in water for about 4-6 hours or overnight. If using fenugreek seeds, you can soak them along with the dal.

2. **Grinding:**
   - Drain the soaked rice and dal. Grind them together into a smooth batter using a grinder or blender. Add a little water if needed to achieve a dosa batter consistency.

3. **Fermentation:**
   - Allow the batter to ferment for 8-12 hours or until it becomes slightly fluffy. Fermentation is crucial for the characteristic taste and texture of dosa.

4. **Cooking:**
   - Once the batter is ready, you can make dosas on a griddle or non-stick pan. Heat the pan, pour a ladleful of batter, and spread it in a circular motion to form a thin dosa.

5. **Adding Ghee (optional):**
   - You can add a small amount of ghee (clarified butter) while cooking the dosa for added flavor and nutrition.

6. **Serve:**
   - Once the dosa is cooked on both sides, let it cool slightly. Cut it into bite-sized pieces suitable for your baby.

### Notes:

- **Toppings:** You can add a thin layer of pureed vegetables like carrots or spinach while making dosas for added nutrition.
  
- **Spices:** Keep the dosa mild without adding too many spices initially. As your baby gets used to the taste, you can experiment with adding gentle spices like cumin or coriander.

- **Accompaniments:** Serve dosa with a mild homemade chutney or yogurt for added taste and nutrition.

Always ensure that the dosa is cut into age-appropriate sizes to prevent any choking hazards. Additionally, introduce new foods one at a time to observe your baby's response and check for allergies. If you have any concerns or questions, it's advisable to consult with your pediatrician before introducing new foods to your baby's diet.