Sprouted Ragi Porridge Recipe – Easy Baby Food & Milk Porridge

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Sprouted Ragi Porridge Recipe – Easy Baby Food & Milk Porridge

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a super nutritious and easy-to-make first food for your little one, or just a comforting, healthy breakfast for yourself, you’ve come to the right place. I remember when I first started making baby food for my niece – it felt a little daunting! But this sprouted ragi porridge quickly became a staple. It’s gentle on tiny tummies, packed with goodness, and honestly, pretty delicious even for grown-ups. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sprouted ragi porridge is a winner for so many reasons. It’s incredibly simple to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and about 15 minutes of your time. More importantly, it’s a nutritional powerhouse, perfect for growing babies and health-conscious adults alike. Plus, it’s easily adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients

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

• 2 tablespoons sprouted ragi flour (approx. 30g)
• ¾ to 1 cup water (180-240ml)
• ¼ teaspoon ghee (approx. 1.25g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips from my kitchen to yours:

Sprouted Ragi Flour: Nutritional Benefits & Selection

Sprouted ragi is a fantastic source of iron, calcium, and other essential nutrients. Sprouting increases the bioavailability of these nutrients, making them easier for little bodies (and ours!) to absorb. You can find sprouted ragi flour at most health food stores or online. If you can’t find sprouted, regular ragi flour works too, but sprouting definitely gives it an extra boost.

Ghee: Traditional Uses & Healthy Fats

Ghee adds a lovely richness and flavor to the porridge. It’s also considered very beneficial in Ayurveda for its digestive properties. Don’t have ghee? You can substitute with a little butter or coconut oil, but ghee really does add a special touch.

Water: Quality & Adjustments

I always use filtered water for baby food. The amount of water you need will depend on the consistency you prefer. Start with ¾ cup and add more, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired thickness.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to making the porridge!

1. First, in a small pan, combine the sprouted ragi flour and water. Give it a good whisk to make sure there are no lumps. This is key for a smooth porridge!
2. Place the pan over low heat. Now, this is where the patience comes in. We want to cook this slowly, stirring constantly to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
3. After a few minutes, as the mixture starts to thicken, add the ghee. Keep stirring!
4. If you’re making this for a baby over one year old, you can add a tiny bit of sweetener now – a pinch of jaggery powder or a drop of honey (honey is not recommended for babies under one year old).
5. Continue cooking and stirring until the porridge coats the back of a ladle. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
6. Finally, remove from heat and let it cool slightly before serving.

Expert Tips

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

Achieving the Right Consistency

For babies just starting solids, you’ll want a very smooth, runny consistency. As they get older, you can gradually thicken the porridge.

Preventing Lumps

Constant stirring is your best friend here! If lumps do form, you can try using an immersion blender to smooth things out.

Sweetener Options for Babies

Remember, no honey for babies under one year! Jaggery powder, dates paste, or even a tiny bit of mashed banana are great natural sweeteners.

Variations

This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity!

Vegan Ragi Porridge

Simply substitute the ghee with coconut oil or another plant-based fat.

Gluten-Free Confirmation

Ragi is naturally gluten-free, making this a perfect option for those with gluten sensitivities. Just double-check that your ragi flour is processed in a gluten-free facility if you’re particularly sensitive.

Adjusting Spice Levels (For Older Babies/Toddlers)

Once your little one is enjoying solids, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for a warming flavor. My friend even adds a tiny bit of nutmeg to hers!

Festival Adaptations (e.g., adding dry fruits during auspicious occasions)

During festivals, I sometimes add a sprinkle of finely chopped dry fruits like dates and almonds to the porridge for an extra special treat. It’s a lovely way to incorporate tradition into mealtime.

Milk Porridge Method Variation

Want to make a creamier, more filling porridge? Try this method:

1. Soak whole ragi grains overnight in water.
2. Blend the soaked ragi with fresh water and strain the mixture through a muslin cloth to extract the ragi milk.
3. Cook the ragi milk on low heat until it thickens, adding ghee and sweetener as needed.

Serving Suggestions

This porridge is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with:

• Pureed fruits like apple or pear
• A dollop of yogurt
• A sprinkle of nuts (for older babies/toddlers)

Storage Instructions

Leftover porridge can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently before serving. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for convenient portion sizes.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

Is Sprouted Ragi Porridge Easily Digestible for Babies?

Yes! Sprouted ragi is known for being easily digestible, making it a great first food.

What is the Best Age to Introduce Ragi to a Baby?

Generally, you can introduce ragi around 6 months of age, when your baby is showing signs of readiness for solids.

Can I Use Store-Bought Ragi Flour?

Absolutely! Store-bought ragi flour is perfectly fine to use. Just make sure it’s from a reputable brand.

How Do I Know If the Porridge Is Cooked Properly?

The porridge is cooked when it coats the back of a ladle and has a smooth, creamy consistency.

Can I Add Fruits or Vegetables to the Ragi Porridge?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different fruits and vegetables to create a variety of flavors.