Are you looking for an easy-to-make, no cook recipe that’s perfect for feeding your baby while traveling? We’ve got you covered! After receiving numerous requests from our readers, we’re excited to share this delicious Makhana Kheer or Makhana Porridge for babies, which is not only nutritious but also incredibly easy to prepare.
Lotus seeds, also known as Makhana, are highly beneficial for babies, packed with essential nutrients. This homemade Makhana Porridge powder is a convenient option to carry during travel, ensuring that your little one gets a healthy meal on the go. Remember to always follow the 3 Day Rule, gradually introducing new foods to your baby’s diet.
Join us as we explore the world of Makhana Porridge, offering a nutritious and travel-friendly solution for your baby’s mealtime. Don’t miss out on this fantastic recipe suggested by one of our readers, Nidhi Sinha. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will delight both you and your little one.
How to make Makhana Porridge for babies?
For Makhana Porridge for Babies:
- 100 gms of Makhana
- 1 teaspoon of organic jaggery (for sweet version, suitable for babies above 1 year)
- 1/2 teaspoon of jeera (for savory version)
Makhana porridge is a nutritious and suitable option for babies. To prepare a sweet version suitable for babies above 1 year, add 1 teaspoon of organic jaggery. For a savory option, include 1/2 teaspoon of jeera.
Method
1. Makhana seeds, available at most grocery stores, should be chosen without any added ingredients.
2. When purchasing makhana seeds from a grocery store, ensure they have no added ingredients and appear free from any signs of infestation or damage.
3. Dry roast the makhana seeds until they turn a golden brown color.
4. Grind the roasted makhana seeds into a powder.
5. Sieve the ground makhana seeds to obtain a fine powder
6. Store the powdered makhana seeds in an airtight container.
7. When needed, take 2 tablespoons of the powdered makhana seeds and mix it with 30 ml of warm water until smooth and free of lumps. Serve immediately
8. For older babies, you can enhance the taste by adding a pinch of salt and jeera powder to the mixture.
Based on feedback from my Facebook page fans, it appears that many babies prefer a more flavorful taste. To address this, you can try the following variations:
- For the savory version, add a pinch of jeera or ajwain powder to enhance the taste.
- For the sweet version, for babies under one year, consider adding fruit purees. For toddlers, a spoonful of jaggery syrup can be added to provide a sweeter taste.
To offer your baby a variety of Makhana Porridges, you can try out these delicious combinations suitable for makhana porridge for babies:
- Banana Makhana Cereal: Mash a ripe banana and mix it with powdered Makhana to create a creamy and nutritious cereal for makhana porridge.
- Organic Makhana Wheat Dalia Porridge Mix: Combine powdered Makhana with wheat dalia (broken wheat) to prepare a wholesome and nutritious porridge mix suitable for makhana porridge for babies.
- Organic Makhana Kheer: Make a traditional kheer (pudding) by cooking powdered Makhana with milk, jaggery or sweetener of choice, and flavoring it with cardamom or other spices, creating a tasty makhana porridge for babies.
These variations will add flavor and nutritional value to the makhana porridge for babies, making it more enjoyable for your little one.
Nutritional benefits of Makhana/ Lotus seeds for Babies
Makhana, also known as lotus seeds, offers several nutritional benefits for babies. Here are some key points about the nutritional benefits of Makhana/Lotus seeds:
- Energy: 100 gms of Makhana yields approximately 350 calories, providing a good amount of energy for babies.
- Protein: Makhana is a good source of protein. One ounce (approximately 28 grams) of lotus seeds contains about 5 grams of protein, which is beneficial for growth and development.
- Magnesium: Makhana is rich in magnesium, an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in bone development, nerve function, and maintaining a healthy immune system.
- Potassium: Makhana is a good source of potassium, which is important for maintaining proper hydration, supporting healthy heart function, and regulating blood pressure.
- Phosphorus: Makhana is also a good source of phosphorus, an essential mineral that is necessary for healthy bone and teeth development.
Overall, including Makhana in a baby’s diet can provide valuable nutrients such as protein, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, contributing to their overall growth and development.
Makhana porridge is a wonderful way to introduce the nutritional benefits of Makhana to babies. By incorporating powdered Makhana into porridge, you can provide a soft and easily digestible meal for your little one. Makhana porridge for babies offers a combination of protein, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, which are essential for their growth and development. It can be prepared in various delicious variations, such as adding fruit purees for natural sweetness or introducing subtle spices for flavor. Makhana porridge is a nutritious option to include in your baby’s diet, promoting their overall well-being and providing them with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.
Stay updated on my latest no-cook recipes by following me on Google+, Twitter, Pinterest, and liking my Facebook Page, My Little Moppet. To receive updates directly to your inbox, sign up for our free newsletter. Rest assured, we promise not to spam your inbox. Join our community and discover new, tasty recipes without the need for cooking.
Makhana/Lotus seeds Porridge for Babies
Ingredients
- 100 gm of Makhana
- 1 teaspoon of jaggery for sweet version for toddlers
- 1/2 teaspoon of jeera powder or cumin powder for savory version
Instructions
- Cut the makhana into half to check for worms
- Dry roast the makhana till nice aroma arises
- Let them cool
- Powder it in a blender
- Sieve till a fine powder is obtained.
- When needed, to a 2 tablespoon of powder add 30 ml of warm water , mix without lumps and serve.
Dr. Sarah Ahmed says
Can we add formula milk to it.
Dr Hemapriya says
Hi,
You can add formula after preparing the porridge. But it’s better to give as it is, as baby should also be getting used to the other tastes 🙂
anjali says
mine has a very roasty smell (not burnt) is that ok? baby didnt like the taste when mixed with pear puree
Hema says
Hi Anjali,
While roasting please make sure that it’s not burnt, it’s okay if it’s roasted well. You can try adding other fruit purees or dates puree to enhance the taste.
Sachi says
For how long I can store the makhana powder and brown rice cereal powder in air tight container? Thanks
Dr Hemapriya says
Hi,
The mentioned products can be refrigerated in a airtight container for 4 to 6 months.
Fahira says
Hello Dr, is it suitable for my 11 month old’s dinner?!
pr says
Hi Fahira,
You can dear, please make sure to introduce a little and follow 3 day rule.
Khushboo Agarwal says
Hi , Can we add formula milk /cow milk in place of hot water?
And can we add apple puree to sweeten the porridge .
my daughter is 9 month sold
pr says
Hi Khushboo,
Please don’t add cow’s milk in baby’s diet before 1 year. Yes dear, You can add fruit purees or dates powder to sweeten the porridge.
Ekta says
3 day rule means.?? I have given dis to my 6 month old baby. . He easily eat
Dr Hemapriya says
It means, if there are any allergies or discomfort, usually baby gives signal in first 3 days of feeding new food. If your baby liked it then there is nothing to worry about. Also during those 3 days avoid introducing another new food.
isha sinha says
Wow
Tq for the recipe
Prashanthi says
What is lotus seeds?
pr says
Hi Prashanthi,
makhana are a part of the lotus flower, these lotus seeds are also called as fox nuts.They are an extremely good source of manganese, potassium, magnesium, thiamin, protein and phosphorus.
Shefali A. says
Hi, can we add formula to makhana porridge?
Dr Hemapriya says
If you are only feeding formula to the baby, then yes it can be added.
Sapna says
Does makhana case constipation in babies?
Sapna says
*cause
Dr Hemapriya says
No it usually doesn’t. You can feed less if the baby is uneasy because of that.
Diya says
Please tell if the seeds must be washed
Dr Hemapriya says
Hi,
No need to wash the seeds
sirisha says
hi hema ,
your recipes are very good. My son is now running out 10 months . He is not at all interested in eating fruits. i am worried about him. Will there be any other supplements. i tried mixing in porridges, but no use.
Nikhila says
How many days can this powder be stored?
Sarita says
sry replace water with formula. 🙂
Sarita says
Hi Hema,
Thanks a lot for the wonderful receipes.
I have to ask if i can replace formula with water.
Prerna says
Hi hema.
Can i add fruits to it to sweeten it up?
Dr Hemapriya says
Yes you can add Prerna 🙂
Prerna says
Hi hema….
I will be soon traveling with my 7 months old baby…..it is going to be a long 14hour journey nd the first for her. Can I give it to her while travelling…..also she do not like the bland taste…can i add fruits?
Dr Hemapriya says
Yes you can prerna
Shalini Bai says
Dr.Hemapriya
Kindly note that i couldn’t find the readymade Lotus seeds Porridge in your website for me to buy could you please look into it and reply me ASAP.
Thanks
Deepika says
How else can Lotus seeds be given to toddlers? I made a jar of Lotus seeds powder but my toddler doesn’t like porridge. How else can I add it to his diet?
aradhnajain says
hello
can v roast den in microwave n
can i give dis to my 14 months baby.
thks
Dr Hemapriya says
Hi Aradhana,
You can roast it with little ghee in kadai and give your baby
KeashikA says
Can this be given to 6 month old baby?
Dr Hemapriya says
Yes you can give but only after you have given the first foods and please follow the 3 day rule for this food too
Sravanthi says
Thanks for the recipe! It will be very handy. Where can we buy these lotus seeds? Any online stores?
Dr Hemapriya says
Hai, Sravanthi, The lotus seeds will be available in all kirana stores, or you can check big retailers like food bazar etc. I searched for online stores, afraid it is not available online.