Quick Oats Banana Recipe – Easy Baby Food & Jaggery Porridge

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Quick Oats Banana Recipe – Easy Baby Food & Jaggery Porridge

Hey everyone! As a mum myself, I totally get the juggle of wanting to give your little one the best nutrition, while also needing something quick and easy. This quick oats banana recipe was a lifesaver when my little one started solids – it’s gentle, naturally sweet, and comes together in just 10 minutes! It’s become a firm favourite, and I’m so excited to share it with you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another baby food recipe; it’s a little bowl of comfort and goodness. It’s perfect for introducing your baby to the wonderful world of flavours and textures. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can easily adapt it to suit your baby’s preferences and dietary needs. Honestly, it’s a win-win!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful porridge:

• 2 tbsp quick cooking oats (approx. 30g)
• ¾ cup water (180ml)
• ¼ cup soft ripe banana (chopped) (approx. 60g)
• ¾ – 1 tsp organic powdered jaggery (optional) (approx. 3-4g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s chat about the stars of the show! Getting the ingredients right makes all the difference.

Quick Cooking Oats: Types & Benefits

Quick cooking oats are the way to go here – they cook up nice and soft, perfect for tiny tummies. You can also use rolled oats, but you’ll need to cook them for a little longer. Oats are a fantastic source of fibre, which is great for digestion, and they provide sustained energy for your growing baby.

Banana: Choosing the Right Ripeness

The riper the banana, the sweeter and easier it will be to blend! Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots – those are the sweetest. They also mash beautifully, creating a lovely smooth texture.

Water: Quality Considerations

I always use filtered water for my baby’s food. It just gives me peace of mind. You can also use boiled and cooled water, especially if your tap water isn’t the best.

Jaggery: A Traditional Sweetener & Its Nutritional Value

Jaggery is an unrefined sugar made from sugarcane or palm sap, and it’s a traditional sweetener in Indian cuisine. It’s a much healthier alternative to refined sugar, as it contains trace minerals like iron and potassium. But remember, it’s still sugar, so use it sparingly! You can easily skip it if your baby doesn’t need extra sweetness.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s super simple, I promise.

1. First, pour ¾ cup of water into a small saucepan. Add the quick cooking oats.
2. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir constantly. This is important to prevent sticking!
3. Keep stirring until the oats thicken into a lovely porridge-like consistency – about 5-7 minutes.
4. Now, take the saucepan off the heat and let the mixture cool down slightly. This is important before blending, so you don’t end up with a hot mess!
5. Add the chopped banana to the saucepan.
6. Pour everything into a blender and blend until completely smooth. If it’s too thick, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
7. If you’re using jaggery, add it during the cooking process and stir well to dissolve.
8. Serve warm with a baby spoon.

Expert Tips

Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned along the way:

Achieving the Perfect Consistency

Every baby is different, so adjust the amount of water to get the consistency just right. Some babies prefer a thinner porridge, while others like it thicker.

Preventing Sticking & Burning

Low and slow is the key! Stirring constantly will prevent the oats from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning.

Blending for Smoothness

A good blender is your friend here. If you don’t have a high-powered blender, you might need to blend for a little longer to get a perfectly smooth texture.

Adjusting Sweetness Levels

Start with a small amount of jaggery and taste as you go. Remember, bananas are naturally sweet, so you might not need any extra sweetener at all.

Variations

Let’s get creative!

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is naturally vegan! Just ensure your jaggery is vegan-friendly (some may be processed with bone char).

Gluten-Free Confirmation

Oats are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always a good idea to check the packaging to ensure they haven’t been processed in a facility that also handles gluten.

Adding Other Fruits (Apple, Pear)

My little one loves a bit of variety! Try adding a tablespoon of cooked and pureed apple or pear for a different flavour.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this porridge warm, using a soft-tipped baby spoon. It’s a great breakfast option, or a comforting snack any time of day.

Storage Instructions

You can store leftover porridge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

How do I know if my baby is ready for solid foods?

Generally, babies are ready for solids around 6 months of age, but every baby is different. Look for signs like good head control, the ability to sit up with support, and an interest in watching you eat. Always check with your pediatrician before introducing solids.

Can I make this recipe with breast milk or formula instead of water?

Absolutely! Using breast milk or formula will add extra nutrients and flavour. Just adjust the amount to achieve the desired consistency.

What age is this recipe suitable for?

This recipe is generally suitable for babies 6 months and older who have already started solids.

How long can I store leftover porridge?

Leftover porridge can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Can I freeze this baby food for later use?

Yes, you can! Pour the porridge into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This makes it easy to portion out small servings as needed.