Homemade Cerelac Recipe – Rice, Lentil & Almond Baby Food

Last Updated on 1 month by Neha Deshmukh

Homemade Cerelac Recipe – Rice, Lentil & Almond Baby Food

Hey everyone! As a mum myself, I totally get the worry about what goes into your little one’s tummy. When my little Anya was six months old, I wanted to know exactly what she was eating, so I started making her food from scratch. This homemade cerelac recipe is a lifesaver – it’s nutritious, gentle on tiny tummies, and honestly, so much more satisfying than relying solely on store-bought options. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another baby food recipe; it’s peace of mind in a bowl! You control the ingredients, ensuring everything is fresh and wholesome. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce your baby to the wonderful world of Indian flavours and superfoods, like horse gram. It’s easy to make, stores well, and you’ll feel amazing knowing you’re giving your baby the best possible start.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this goodness:

• 1 cup rice
• 2 tbsp moong dal (split yellow lentils)
• 2 tbsp masoor dal (red lentils)
• 2 tbsp black urad dal (split black lentils)
• 2 tbsp horse gram
• 7 almonds
• 2 tbsp broken wheat (dalia)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! These aren’t just randomly picked – each one plays a special role.

• Rice: I prefer using regular white rice for this, but you can experiment with other varieties (more on that later!). About 150-180g of rice is equivalent to 1 cup.
• Moong Dal: This is super easy to digest, making it perfect for little tummies.
• Masoor Dal: Adds a lovely colour and extra protein.
• Urad Dal: Contributes to a creamy texture and is packed with iron.
• Horse Gram: Don’t be intimidated! This ancient grain is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in iron and fibre.
• Almonds: A source of healthy fats and essential nutrients. Make sure they’re finely ground! About 10-12g of almonds is equivalent to 7 almonds.
• Broken Wheat (Dalia): Adds a bit of texture and extra fibre.

Rice Varieties for Cerelac

While regular white rice works beautifully, feel free to experiment! Brown rice adds extra fibre, but it takes longer to cook and might need a finer grind. Basmati rice lends a lovely aroma, but it’s a bit more expensive.

The Benefits of Mixed Dal for Babies

Using a mix of dals is brilliant for your baby’s development. Each dal offers a unique nutritional profile – some are rich in protein, others in iron, and all are easily digestible. It’s a complete protein source, which is vital for growing bodies!

The Role of Almonds in Baby Food

Almonds are a fantastic source of healthy fats, vitamin E, and minerals. They support brain development and provide sustained energy. Just remember to grind them really finely to avoid any choking hazards.

Understanding Horse Gram – A Nutritional Powerhouse

Horse gram is a bit of an underdog, but it’s incredibly good for your baby. It’s packed with iron, which is crucial for preventing anaemia, and it’s also a good source of fibre, aiding digestion. It has a slightly earthy flavour, which blends well with the other ingredients.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Okay, let’s get cooking!

1. First, rinse 1 cup of rice and spread it out on a clean cloth or tray to dry for about 30 minutes. This helps with roasting later.
2. In another bowl, rinse the 2 tbsp moong dal, 2 tbsp masoor dal, 2 tbsp urad dal, 2 tbsp horse gram, and 7 almonds. Spread these out to dry too.
3. Now, let’s dry roast the rice! On a low flame, roast the rice for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until it’s fully dry and slightly fragrant. Let it cool completely.
4. Next, dry roast the lentil and almond mixture on low flame until they’re crisp and golden brown. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Again, cool completely.
5. Time to grind! Blend the roasted rice and lentil mixture into a fine powder. A high-speed blender works best.
6. Sieve the powder to remove any remaining grains. This ensures a super smooth consistency for your little one.
7. Finally, store the cerelac powder in an airtight container. It should stay fresh for up to a month.

Expert Tips

A few little things that make all the difference:

• Roasting is Key: Don’t skip the roasting step! It removes moisture, enhances flavour, and makes the powder last longer.
• Cooling Completely: Always let the ingredients cool completely before grinding. This prevents clumping.
• Fine Grind: The finer the grind, the smoother the cerelac will be.

Roasting Techniques for Optimal Texture

Keep the flame low and stir constantly. You want to dry roast, not burn! If you’re worried about burning, you can even roast in the oven at a low temperature (around 150°C / 300°F) for about 15-20 minutes.

Ensuring a Smooth Consistency

Sieving is your friend! It removes any stubborn grains and ensures a silky-smooth texture that’s gentle on your baby’s tummy.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Cerelac Adaptation: This recipe is naturally vegan! Just double-check all your ingredients.
• Gluten-Free Assurance: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check the packaging of your ingredients to be sure.
• Adjusting for Different Spice Sensitivities (For Older Babies): Once your baby is a little older (around 9-10 months), you can add a tiny pinch of turmeric or cumin for flavour. Start with a very small amount and see how they react.
• Festival Adaptations (Adding Dry Fruits for Special Occasions): During festivals, I like to add a few finely chopped dates or raisins to the cerelac for a touch of sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

To prepare the baby food, mix 1 tbsp of the cerelac powder with 2 cups (about 480ml) of water. Whisk until smooth. Cook on low flame for 10-12 minutes, stirring continuously until it thickens to your desired consistency. Cool slightly before serving to babies 6 months and older.

Storage Instructions

Store the cerelac powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It will stay fresh for up to a month. Once prepared, the cooked cerelac should be consumed within 24 hours and stored in the refrigerator.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

Is Homemade Cerelac Better Than Store-Bought?

Absolutely! You have complete control over the ingredients, avoiding unnecessary additives and preservatives.

How Long Can I Store Homemade Cerelac?

The powder can be stored for up to a month in an airtight container.

Can I Use Different Types of Rice or Lentils?

Yes, you can experiment! Just be mindful of digestibility and potential allergies.

What Age is This Cerelac Suitable For?

This cerelac is suitable for babies 6 months and older, but always consult with your paediatrician before introducing new foods.

How Do I Introduce Cerelac to My Baby?

Start with a small amount (1-2 tablespoons) and gradually increase the quantity as your baby gets used to it. Watch for any signs of allergies or digestive upset.

I hope you and your little one enjoy this recipe! Let me know how it goes in the comments below. Happy cooking!