khichdi for babies, toddlers | vegetable moong dal khichdi

Khichdi recipe for babies – Khichdi or dal khichdi is an Indian dish prepared with lentils and rice, a one pot meal that is nutritious not only for babies and toddlers but for adults too.The recipe, tips and ideas shared here are for babies above 8 months only.

If you have a baby above 12 months old you can also try this basic new recipe of dal khichdi here. You can prepare the same for the entire family and as well for your toddler.

Making a moong dal khichdi for babies with vegetable may be one of the best ways to prepare a balanced and nutritious meal. Vegetable in the khichdi aid in digesting the dal/ lentils better and adds a different flavour, taste and texture to the food, which babies will love.

Best vegetables for babies to aid easy digestion
The vegetables I would suggest to go with a moong dal kichidi are carrots, red pumpkin, bottle gourd (lauki), ridge gourd (thurai) and leafy vegetables like spinach and methi. Using other vegetables may not be easy for digestion when used in dal khichdi.

Using vegetables like potato or sweet potato to make a lentil based baby food could lead to a tummy upset or colic. potato and sweet potatoes can be used to make a khichri without dal. You can also used cauliflower, broccoli or peas.

New post : sweet potato rice for babies

Best lentils for babies
We use moong dal called as husked split green gram or yellow mung in english. Moong dal is considered to be the easiest to digest and is very nourishing to the body.

For a change we also use tuvar dal called as split pigeon peas in English.

Ideal Proportions of Dal: Rice
It is better to go with a low Dal: Rice proportions to avoid reflux, colic and tummy upsets in babies. The ideal proportions could be 1:4 meaning ¼ tbsp. dal for every 1 tbsp. rice. If the baby tolerates well without colic or vomiting then, it can gradually be increased to 1: 2 by 10 months to one year.(1 tbsp. dal with 2tbsps. rice)

Introducing brown rice to babies
We use white rice alone with dal and veggies initially since white rice is easier to digest, then slowly introduce brown rice as the brown rice fibres are difficult to digest. For 1.5 tbsps. White rice start with ½ tbsp. brown rice, gradually you can increase the quantity and serve only brown rice when your baby reaches 1 year, if he/ she can digest well.

Using spice powders and herbs for babies

We use very small pinch of pepper, ground organic turmeric, cumin powder and ajwain powder (caram seeds powder) to aid digestion and to keep the baby warm.

I sometimes used to sprinkle my monsoon spice mix alone, which I posted earlier, if the baby has cold or runny nose. All these are optional and may not be suitable for babies who tend to dehydrate or constipate due to weather or the nature of body.

Please consult your pediatrician before you introduce your baby to the spice powders.

We use curry leaves and cumin powder to temper the food if the baby is a fussy or picky eater. It adds flavor to the food, discard the curry leaves before serving. You can chose any 2 spice powders for flavoring.

method 1 – How to make dal khichdi for babies, for toddlers recipe please scroll down.

1. Wash rice and dal together at least twice in lot of water. Soak them for at least 30 to 60 minutes with 1 cup water in a small pressure cooker. I use a 3lts pressure cooker.That’s the tuvar dal, brown rice and white rice.

2. Just before you cook, chop or grate veggies freshly and add to the soaked rice and dal

3. On a medium heat pressure cook for 2 whistles

4. Let pressure go off, While the rice is still hot, mash it to smooth with a spoon or a ladle

5. That was the pumpkin i used, hence got a nice color. Add ghee, salt, spice powders and turmeric if you desire. Babies need fat, so at least use ghee.

6. Mix everything well, if needed add very little warm water and mix to bring it to the consistency you desire. I used around 45 ml water. Do not add cold water to the khichdi. Some babies like pureed foods, you can puree this and serve.

Serve warm, warm foods digest better

method 2 – step by step photos on khichdi recipe for toddlers and fussy babies

When a baby reaches an year old, it may no longer like the above mishmashed soft khichdi. You can try this method for fussy babies as well. This is more flavorful then the above method.

For toddlers you can use onion, green peas, cauliflower, carrots, capsicum, methi, palak, carrots. You can also make this moong dal recipe and serve with plain mashed rice.

1. Soak rice and dal for at least 30 minutes. Heat ghee and saute cumin. Then add grated ginger and saute. It will begin to smell good.

2. Add veggies and saute again for 2 minutes.

3. Add rice and dal. Repeat sauteing.

4. Add salt and water as needed.

5. Close the pressure cooker and allow to whistle once or twice depending on the brand.

If desired you can mash it further before serving.

For more baby food recipes, you could check
carrot almond baby food
Indian baby food
ragi malt
wheat cereal
barley carrot payasam
sago payasam

how often can this khichdi be served
4 to 5 times a week would be fine, with a change in the vegetables. It is best to serve lentil based foods for breakfast or lunch and avoid serving in the nights.

moong dal khichdi recipe for babies & toddlers

Disclaimer: please consult your pediatrician before you begin to serve this food to your baby. The author is not a nutrition expert nor a healthcare professional. But has served this food for both her babies from 8 months on wards. Whatever mentioned in the post is based on the author’s personal opinion and experience.