Ragi Porridge for infants also known as nachni porridge, ragi flour porridge, ragi sari, ragi kanji, ragi malt is one of the first foods introduced to infants in most households in Karnataka. With all the health benefits ragi (you can learn about the benefits of wonder grain here) has, it is highly nutritious for babies and toddlers. High in iron, protein and fibres, it makes a wholesome meal that can be given daily to babies. This recipe is my mom’s recipe that she makes with her heart & soul for her grandchildren. And some days this is the safe food for my picky eater to enjoy!
Table of Contents
- Ragi for infants Recipe
- What you need to make Ragi flour Porridge?
- Instructions to make Nachni Porridge
Ragi for infants Recipe
Ragi is known to help with digestion with a whole lot of fibre content in it. Adding all other grains while making this ragi porridge for babies makes it a wholesome food to introduce to babies when they start solids. The porridge can be made in minutes when you prepare the powder. Because of its smooth texture, babies love to easily gulp them.
I sometimes use this Ragi porridge flour to make dosa, rotti, biscuits and even pancakes that my kids enjoy. It is a good idea to make this flour in bulk and can be stored it for up to a year.
What you need to make Ragi flour Porridge?
Here is what you need to make the sprouted ragi flour porridge for infants:
- The sprouted ragi flour – The sprouted ragi flour is easily made at home using 10 ingredients which can be made in bulk and stored for up to a year. Check out the detailed recipe to make the sprouted ragi flour for porridge. I have used 2 spoons of sprouted ragi flour in this recipe.
- Water – Half cup water is used to mix the sprouted ragi flour. You can use it as per the flour quantity used.
- Butter/ Clarified butter (Ghee) – One full generous spoon of ghee helps with flavor and digestion.
Instructions to make Nachni Porridge
For babies under 12 months:
- In a bowl that is safe to be heated on stove, add 2 spoons of ragi porridge flour.
- Add half cup of water and make sure to dissolve the flour in water.
- Switch on the stove and let the ragi and water cook well until it forms a paste consistency.
- Make sure to keep stirring to avoid burnt or too thick ragi porridge.
- Switch off the stove and add a generous spoon of clarified butter or ghee into it.
- Cool down and feed it to your baby.
For Toddlers 12 months+ :
- Mix the ragi flour in hot milk making it a ragi malt.
- Add jaggery and dried fruits optionally and let them enjoy the delicious ragi malt.
You can use this mixed grain ragi porridge flour to make cookies, dosa, Ragi rotti, ragi ball, ragi halwa, ragi laddoo and many more healthy recipes.
Tips Ragi porridge
- Do not add porridge flour to water boiling on the stove. It creates lumps and do not cook well.
- You can add a spoon of roasted and powdered nuts if there are no allergies. This will introduce new taste for babies.
- Adding a boiled fruits or vegetables are a great way to introduce flavours to baby.
FAQs Ragi Porridge for infants
1. Is ragi porridge good for babies?
With a high nutritional value and tons of protein & fibre, it makes great food for babies. To add, it is easy for babies to digest well when they start solids at 6 months.
2. Can we give ragi to 3 months old baby?
WHO suggests not to introduce solids until the baby is 6 months old. To avoid constipation, including fruits papaya, pineapple or peach helps baby digest better.
3. Does ragi porridge increase weight in babies?
Ragi alone is known to be gluten-free and promotes weight loss. But when sprouted and mixed with other ingredients that I have used to make the flour in this recipe, it helps gain weight in babies. And also add high nutritional value by increasing vitamin C and helping with iron absorption.
4. How much ragi should I give my 6 month old?
1-2 spoons of ragi flour mixed in water are ideal for 6 month old. Too much ragi porridge can make some constipated.
5. Can we give ragi daily to baby?
Yes. Mixing fruits and vegetable puree in ragi porridge is the best when you start introducing solids to the baby.
Best Ragi Porridge for Infants
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp The sprouted ragi flour
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1 tbsp Butter/ Clarified butter Ghee
Instructions
For babies under 12 months:
- In a bowl that is safe to be heated on stove, add 2 spoons of ragi porridge flour.
- Add half cup of water and make sure to dissolve the flour in water.
- Switch on the stove and let the ragi and water cook well until it forms a paste consistency.
- Make sure to keep stirring to avoid burnt or too thick ragi porridge.
- Switch off the stove and add a generous spoon of clarified butter or ghee into it.Cooldown and feed it to your baby.
For Toddlers 12 months+ :
- Mix the ragi flour in hot milk making it a ragi malt.
- Add jaggery and dried fruits optionally and let them enjoy the delicious ragi malt.
Notes
- Do not add porridge flour to water boiling on the stove. It creates lumps and does not cook well.
- You can add a spoon of roasted and powdered nuts if there are no allergies. This will introduce a new taste for babies.
- Adding boiled fruits or vegetables is a great way to introduce flavours to the baby.
1 thought on “Best Ragi Porridge for Infants”