Poha Cerelac Recipe – Homemade Baby Food & Instant Porridge Mix

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Poha Cerelac Recipe – Homemade Baby Food & Instant Porridge Mix

Hey everyone! As a mum myself, I totally get the worry about what our little ones are eating. I was always looking for simple, healthy, and homemade options when my little one started solids. This Poha Cerelac recipe is a lifesaver – it’s a fantastic first food, super easy to make, and you know exactly what’s going into it. It’s become a staple in our house, and I’m so excited to share it with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Poha Cerelac isn’t just convenient; it’s packed with goodness! Poha is easily digestible, making it perfect for tiny tummies. Plus, it’s a gentle introduction to solid foods and a wonderful way to ensure your baby gets a nutritious start. It’s also incredibly versatile – you can adjust the consistency and even add flavors as your baby grows. Honestly, it’s a win-win!

Ingredients

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

• 2 cups Poha (flattened rice)
• 1 cup Fried Gram Dal (roasted chana dal)
• 1 tablespoon Poha Cereal Mix (prepared cerelac)
• 0.5 cup Water (120ml)
• 0.125 teaspoon Ghee (about ¼ tsp)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference:

• Poha Variety: You can use any type of poha – thick, thin, or medium. I personally prefer the medium variety as it grinds nicely. Just make sure it’s fresh!
• Fried Gram Dal / Chana Dal: This adds a lovely nutty flavor and a boost of protein. Roasting it yourself gives the best flavor, but pre-roasted is fine if you’re short on time.
• Ghee Quality: Now, ghee is special. If you can, use good quality, homemade desi ghee. It adds a richness and flavor that’s just unbeatable. But regular ghee works perfectly well too!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s simpler than you think.

1. First, we’re going to dry roast the poha in a pan over medium heat. Keep stirring! You want it to become crisp and aromatic, but don’t let it change color. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
2. Once the poha is cool, grind it into a fine powder. A coffee grinder or a powerful blender works best.
3. Now, do the same with the fried gram dal. Dry roast it until golden brown, let it cool, and then grind it into a fine powder.
4. Mix or sieve both powders together. This ensures everything is beautifully combined and you get a lovely, uniform cerelac base.
5. Store this mix in an airtight container. It’ll keep for a good few weeks!
6. When you’re ready to make porridge, boil the water. Add 1 tablespoon of the cerelac powder and whisk constantly to avoid any lumps.
7. Cook on low heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
8. Finally, stir in the ghee and, if you like, a tiny pinch of jaggery or salt.

For a super quick version, just mix the cerelac powder directly with hot water, stir well, and adjust the amount of water to get the right consistency. Perfect for busy mornings!

Expert Tips

• Always check the temperature before feeding your baby!
• Start with a very thin consistency and gradually increase it as your baby gets used to solids.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors!

Variations

This recipe is a great base for all sorts of yummy variations:

• Vegan Adaptation: Simply swap the ghee for a mild-flavored oil like sunflower or coconut oil.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!
• Spice Level: Once your baby is a little older (around 8-9 months), you can add a tiny pinch of spices like turmeric or cumin for extra flavor and health benefits.
• Festival Adaptations: For special occasions, I love adding a sprinkle of finely chopped dry fruits like dates or almonds to the porridge. My grandma always did this!

Serving Suggestions

This cerelac is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with a little bit of mashed fruit or vegetables for a more complete meal. My little one loves it with a spoonful of apple puree.

Storage Instructions

The dry cerelac mix will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 weeks. Once made into porridge, it’s best to serve immediately.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this recipe suitable for 6-month-old babies? Yes, absolutely! It’s a gentle and easily digestible first food. Always check with your pediatrician before introducing any new foods.
• Can I use different types of poha? Yes, you can! Any type of poha will work.
• How long does the cerelac mix stay fresh? Up to 2-3 weeks in an airtight container.
• What are the benefits of using fried gram dal in this recipe? It adds protein and a lovely nutty flavor.
• Can I add milk instead of water? You can, but water is generally recommended for babies starting solids as it’s easier to digest.

I hope you and your little one enjoy this Poha Cerelac recipe as much as we do! Happy cooking!