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 check the potato khichri recipe here. 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
khichdi recipe for babies toddlers | vegetable moong dal khichdi
For best results follow the step-by-step photos above the recipe card
Ingredients (1 cup = 240ml )
Instructions
- Wash and soak rice and dal together for at least 30 to 60 minutes with 1 cup water.
- Add chopped or grated vegetable to the soaked rice, dal
- Pressure cook on medium flame for 2 whistles
- When the pressure goes off, open and mash the rice to smooth while still hot
- Add salt, ghee, spice powders and turmeric if you desire.
- Mix well, to bring it to right consistency, if needed add very little warm water and mix. Do not mix cold water it will change the taste of the khichdi.
NUTRITION (estimation only)
Notes
Please take the advice of your pediatrician or elders before you try this for your baby
Alternative quantities provided in the recipe card are for 1x only, original recipe.
For best results follow my detailed step-by-step photo instructions and tips above the recipe card.
© Swasthi’s Recipes
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.
Aparna says
I like all your recipes …. You are the first option I choose despite having various recipes from various chef’s.
zarri says
hello,
can u guide me some iron rich food ideas for two year old please?
swasthi says
Hi Zarri
Fresh or dried figs, raisins, pomegranate orange (or lemon) juice, dates, dark leafy greens, beans and lentils are some iron rich foods. However if you have found the levels to be too low in a blood test then it is good to follow the doctor and use the iron medication. With food the recovery is not as quick as with medications. Regular consumption of figs also helps to boost the appetite, improves digestion and over all health. My personal experience has been very good with dried figs. You can also soak them in water to soften and feed 2 per day. Hope this helps.
zarri says
thnks alot,and one more thing is it ok to give lassi with dal khichdi at luch time everyday?as calcium based food with iron is not a good combo
swasthi says
Welcome Zarri,
Yes, you are right! For kids I strictly follow no lassi with a meal. Most times we consume milk products alone with at least 1.5 to 2 hours gap, before and after meal. Similarly no fruits with a meal or with dairy. No dates with dairy. Occasionally these are okay but regular consumption will weaken the digestion. Hope this helps.
🙂
zarri says
thnx for sharing valuable info..what should i give with or after meal that taste sugary because my kid always want sugary drink with meal or after meal.also kid need smthing sweet after salty meal
swasthi says
Give him a small piece of jaggery or any sweet made with jaggery. You can find many jaggery ladoos here. You can also add little lemon juice and jaggery to a small cup of water and give.
zarri says
hello,
can u guide me some iron rich food ideas for 2 year old please?
Pragathi says
Hai madam,
My son is in 16 months now , he used to eat better sometimes but now a days he is not eating any thing can u please suggest a diet chart for 16 month old.
swasthi says
Hi Pragathi
Please check this baby chart. You can follow the same chart until he finishes 3 years. Check if he is teething. Usually babies stop eating well when they are teething. Give more fruits to boost the appetite.
Riya says
Wonderful
swasthi says
Thanks Riya
Kamalpreet kaur says
Hello mam…..its wonderful job..meri beti 9months ke hai mein usse khichri, dalia, banana, curd sb deti hu….aur kya de skti hu…..aloo parantha chota sa bna ke du th 4to 5 bites….mein aur kya add kr skti hu
swasthi says
Hi Kamalpreet
Please check the baby food chart post to know which foods you can feed. You can find the link in the post as well in the related posts
Neha says
Hi madam,
My baby is 12 months. Often gets cold n cough. U had mentioned about the monsoon spice mix. Can u pls share the recepie
swasthi says
Hi Neha
Its just a mix of cumin, ajwain and ginger powder. All in equal quantities. Dry roast ajwain and cumin separately on a low heat just for some time. switch off the stove .Add ginger powder directly to the hot pan and stir. Take off immediately and cool all these and blend in a mixer. Keeps good for 3 months.. Add this powder to khichdi, porridge etc and not to milk.
pooja chaudhary says
Mam my son is not interested in dal khichdi and all.he likes sweet things like halwa kheer cerelac. What should I do????
swasthi says
You didn’t mention how old he is.
You must try no other choice
Kusuma says
Wonderful
swasthi says
Thanks Kusuma
Kusuma says
Hi..
These recipes are very easy to cook.thank u..mam
I tried the veg kichidi
swasthi says
Hi Kusuma
You are welcome. I am glad you liked them. Thanks for the feedback
Moon moon sen says
Hi swasthi
My 14month old baby is so thin n he don’t eat food. Properly as I gone through ur chat there r many goodthings but still am confused plz help me out Wat I should feed him.
swasthi says
Hi Moon
Just follow the chart and the recipes. You can find all the recipe links there
Dhanya says
Hi swathi
I hd gone tru many of ur recipes n food chart. It’s awesome n helps a lot.Thank you so much.
Thanks for replying too.☺
swasthi says
Welcome Dhanya,
So glad to know the recipes and food chart are helpful.
Divya Sawhney says
Respceted sir/mem
Mera beta 8month ka hai us kai liye food kya food khilau kripya batane ka kasht kate
swasthi says
Hi Divya,
Please read this detailed post on baby food recipes and chart. You can find many recipes and timings to feed including a lot of ideas on this post. If you have any more doubts, you can leave a question on any baby food posts. Hope this helps
gurneet kaur says
Hi mam
Your blog is very informative. And easy to follow.
One question though. I have read every where to avoid salt for babies till one year. Is it okay to use
salt as mentioned in this khichdi recipe? I have a 7 month old baby.
swasthi says
Hi Gurneet,
This khichdi recipe is for babies above 8 months old, meaning must complete 8 months. Otherwise, skip salt, ajwain, turmeric, pepper powder. Follow method 1 with 1:4 proportion for dal:rice. If the baby has cold and using moong dal, i suggest using a tiny pinch of pepper only. Regarding the usage of salt, it is not good to get the baby used to salty or sweet foods before 1 year. But salt too has minerals in it, so we use only a tiny pinch once or twice a day after 8 months. When you taste the food, it must not be salty – meaning the quanity of salt used must be very less. It is actually recommended not to use before 1 year as it may be a load to the kidneys. Use your judgement whether to use or not. But i have used it for both my kids in moderation after 8 months. Hope this helps
gurneet kaur says
Hi mam
Thanks for ur reply.
can i give jaggery to my 7 month old boy daily and how much in quantity? As without something sweet in his food he becomes fussy and i want to avoid sugar. Plzzz suggest what should I do.
swasthi says
Welcome Gurneet,
I suggest you wait until your baby completes 8 months to use jaggery more frequently. Till then at the most once or twice a week is okay. 1 to 1.5 tsp powdered jaggery can be given. Melt it in water first and then filter it and use. Even jaggery is processed with loads of chemicals. Try to use organic jagery if available. If he doesn’t like to eat food without sweet taste in it, in future it may be a problem for you to cook everything sweet. It is better you keep him away from this now itself. Occasionally give him sweetened foods, try adding banana to rice, apple to rice like i made this apple rice, you can also try this sweet potato rice. Hope these help.
rajvir says
Apki Facebook Id kya hai madam,
swasthi says
Hi Rajvir,
here is the link to my facebook page
rajvir says
Thanks mam AP bahut achhi hain
swasthi says
Welcome Rajvir
Thanks for the compliment
rajvir says
Mam AP answer bahut late deti hain,busy hain kya? Ya fir Bahr ghoomne k liye gyi hai or AP rehti kahan hain
swasthi says
Hi Rajvir,
Yes most times i am very busy since i have 2 young kids. I go out with the family on weekends and holidays, so i am not able to reply soon. Sorry for the inconvenience. I live in Singapore.
rajvir says
Hi,dalia moong dal ki recipe btayen for kids
swasthi says
Hi Rajvir,
I will share the recipe next week.
beenish says
Hi swasthi
Tuvar daal ko urdu mai kya kaheinge?mai confuse hun,moong daal tu samag mai agayi per picture dekh k bhe tuvar daak ka confusion hai;
Plz tell me
Thanks
swasthi says
Hi Beenish,
Tuvar dal is called arhar dal in urdu.
Toor dal, tuwar dal, split pigeon peas are the other names. Hope this helps
beenish says
Thanks a lot
Madhavi says
Hi swasthi! I tried the veg khichdi and my baby thoroughly enjoyed it. These days i find it difficult to feed him dal rice and vegetable as he is refusing to eat. But this one helped me. Thanks a ton. I always use to think khichdi was a difficult recipe but now i realise that it is the easiest. cant thank u enough!! Also can u please suggest what more vegetables can be added or altered.
swasthi says
Welcom madhavi. Iam glad your baby liked it. I feel kids must eat dal regularly at least till they reach 5. This recipe has worked well for me so far. I try with veggies like bottle gourd, pumpkin, tomato, shallots, bell peppers, chayote, beets. But all lend a different flavor, some may not like the flavors. If using tomatoes, they need to be sauteed well after frying ginger. Most times i too eat the same for lunch when i make for my boy. I feel it is so easy and not much to clean up. I also make this with millets / korralu, sometimes with half millet and half rice or half brown rice with white rice. Hope this helps you to come up with some ideas
Madhavi says
Yes indeed it helps. Thanks again. Brown rice is taking longer time to get cooked when i mix it with rice may be i should soak for a longer time. I wanted to try beets in khichdi but read some where on the net that the water in which we boil beets should not be used as the nitrates are left in water. So was confused. Do u have any idea?
swasthi says
Madhavi brown rice needs a good soak, i usually soak after breakfast and begin to cook by 11 am. Also cook it on a low flame for some time and then on a medium flame. It turns out soft. Actually nitrates are present in most foods and foods high in nitrates are not recommended for babies under 6 months for older babies its just fine to use a moderate quantity. When we use beets in khichdi, we tend to use a small piece but in the west, beets are cooked, pureed and fed. The quantity fed when pureed is more than what we add for the khichdi. So it is highly recommended that the water used for cooking beets and spinach be discarded. But apart from the beets stock, nitrates are present even in cooked beets. High intake of nitrate foods are very dangerous hence best to avoid for babies under 6 months. but research has shown that nitrates have health benefits too if consumed in moderation (not for babies under 6 months). This is what i have trusted and have used beets for both my babies after 10 months.
Madhavi says
Thanks a lot for the info. Guess it’s better to make beetroot curry and palak as dal and feed.
Bhavya says
Hey Swathi, the receipe for baby toddlers are very useful. Pleased to have this site.
swasthi says
Thanks Bhavya