Homemade rice cereal for babies is one of the most simple and safe baby foods to start with. It is made by roasting rice, grinding it and storing it as a cereal powder. Later you can make porridge from this mix whenever needed. It is something that mothers can trust because it is so easy to prepare at home itself.
It is filling, smooth and light on the tummy which makes it ideal for 5-6 months onwards. Unlike packed cereals this is fresh, preservative free and has only one ingredient - rice. You can even flavor it with dal water or carrot water when making porridge to add some extra nutrition.
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About Homemade Rice Cereal Porridge
Rice cereal Porridge has been a traditional first food for babies in many homes. It is very gentle for digestion and has no strong flavor, so babies get used to it easily. As rice is naturally gluten free it is also safe for most babies without causing any allergy. Some parents prefer it as first food because it don't upset baby stomach.
The cereal mix is made by roasting the rice until puffy and then grinding it. Roasting removes moisture and makes the rice aromatic too. After grinding you get a slightly coarse flour, not completely fine, but that is perfect for porridge texture. The smell of roasted rice itself make you feel fresh and homely.
You can make porridge by just cooking this powder with water. You can also enrich the taste by adding few drop of ghee or mixing this cereal with dal water, carrot water. These small changes makes it more flavorful and nutritous for the little one. You can also add little milk but that is totally depends on family choice.
I usually prepare a small batch and store in airtight jar for few months. It really comes handy during travel and busy days when you need a quick healthy food for the baby. Even during late nights it become a quick fix when the baby feels hungry sudden.
Homemade Rice Cereal Porridge Ingredients
- Rice - I have used regular cooking rice which I use daily at home. It becomes puffy and white after roasting and gives a mild aroma. You can try with any rice variety also.
- Water - Added while cooking the porridge. It helps in making the cereal smooth and mashable. Always cook in low flame so it turns soft.
- Carrot water - I sometimes add cooked carrot strained water. It gives light sweetness and adds more nutrition to the porridge.
- Dal water - I add it from cooked dal is also good to mix. It gives slight flavor and makes the porridge more filling.
Why This Recipe Works
- This recipe is safe and gentle on baby's tummy, perfect as a first food.
- It is homemade so you know exactly what goes into it, no preservatives.
- The cereal mix can be stored for long and makes quick meals.
- You can flavor it in many ways like carrot water, dal water or ghee.
- It is very versatile and can be adjusted in thickness as baby grows.
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How to make Rice Cereal for Babies Step by Step
1.Measure and take rice.Rinse it well atleast 2-3 times then drain water.
2.Transfer to a pan and start roasting.In few mins you can see it moisture free and start drying up.
3.Keep roasting in low flame until it looks puffy and white.You can see the close look of the rice when its done.Switch off at this stage.
4.Cool down, then transfer to a mixer and grind it as fine as possible, still you will get it slightly coarse only not in powdered form that is ok but make sure to grind it till you see a mildy coarse texture.
Let it cool down then store in a clean container.
How yo make Rice Porridge for Babies Step by Step
1.Take rice cereal, measure and take in a pan.Add water and whisk it well.Do this off the flame.
2.Now heat it up.Cook till it becomes thick, cook in low flame so that it gets cooked well.
3.Add salt if adding. Now it has reached the desired consistency.It should be thick as well as flowing.It gets even more thick after cooling down.Feed it warm as such or you can flavour it as needed.
4.Sterilise the serving bowl.Transfer the porridge to the serving bowl, add carrot water / dal water mix well and feed.
Feed warm.
Expert Tips
- Roasting rice - I usually roast in low flame till rice turns puffy and white. Never let it brown because babies don't like that flavor.
- Grinding the cereal - I grind in small mixer jar and repeat a few times. It won't be as fine as flour but that mild coarse texture is ok.
- Cooking the porridge - Always cook in low flame and whisk it before heating so no lumps form.
- Adjusting thickness - This porridge thickens as it cools. I normally switch off when it is slightly thin so it becomes perfect by serving time.
- Flavoring - You can add carrot water, dal water or even few drops of ghee. I have tried all three and each gives different taste.
Serving and Storage
Serve Homemade Rice Cereal Porridge warm and freshly cooked for babies. You can flavor with dal water, carrot water or even plain ghee for more taste. It is best eaten warm as the porridge thickens after cooling. The rice cereal mix can be stored in a clean airtight jar for up to 3 months. It stays good even during travel.
FAQS
1.Can I use brown rice?
Yes you can try with brown rice but it takes longer to cook and porridge will be thicker.
2.How long can I store homemade rice cereal?
You can store for 2 to 3 months in airtight jar. Always use clean dry spoon to take it.
3.Can I add milk while cooking the porridge?
For small babies it is better to start with water, dal water or carrot water. Milk can be added later after 1 year.
4.Can I skip roasting the rice?
No, roasting is important to remove moisture and give aroma. It also helps rice grind better.
5.What age can I start giving this?
It can be start from 5-6 months onwards, but always check with pediatrician before introducing.
If you have any more questions about this Homemade Rice Cereal for Babies do mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Youtube and Twitter .
Tried this Homemade Rice Cereal for Babies ? Do let me know how you liked it. Also tag us on Instagram @sharmispassions and hash tag it on #sharmispassions.
📖 Recipe Card
Homemade Rice Cereal for Babies
Ingredients
For Rice Cereal
- ¼ cup cooking rice
For Rice Porridge
- 2 tablespoon homemade rice cereal
- ¾ cup water
- ¼ cup carrot water
- ¼ cup dal water
Instructions
To make Rice Cereal Mix
- Measure and take rice.Rinse it well atleast 2-3 times then drain water.
- Transfer to a pan and start roasting.In few mins you can see it moisture free and start drying up.
- Keep roasting in low flame until it looks puffy and white.You can see the close look of the rice when its done.Switch off at this stage.
- Cool down, then transfer to a mixer and grind it as fine as possible, still you will get it slightly coarse only not in powdered form that is ok but make sure to grind it till you see a mildy coarse texture.
- Let Homemade Rice Cereal cool down then store in a clean container.
To make Rice Porridge
- Take rice cereal, measure and take in a pan.Add water and whisk it well.Do this off the flame.
- Now heat it up.Cook till it becomes thick, cook in low flame so that it gets cooked well.
- Add salt if adding. Now it has reached the desired consistency. It should be thick as well as flowing. It gets even more thick after cooling down. Feed it warm as such or you can flavor it as needed.
- Sterilize the serving bowl. Transfer the porridge to the serving bowl, add carrot water / dal water mix well and feed. Feed warm.
Notes
- Roasting rice - I usually roast in low flame till rice turns puffy and white. Never let it brown because babies don't like that flavor.
- Grinding the cereal - I grind in small mixer jar and repeat a few times. It won't be as fine as flour but that mild coarse texture is ok.
- Cooking the porridge - Always cook in low flame and whisk it before heating so no lumps form.
- Adjusting thickness - This porridge thickens as it cools. I normally switch off when it is slightly thin so it becomes perfect by serving time.
- Flavoring - You can add carrot water, dal water or even few drops of ghee. I have tried all three and each gives different taste.
anonymous
I am Evelyn from Tamilnadu. My grand daughter has completed 6 months. Her Dr prescribed this same recipe.Thank you very much Sharmilee. Definitely this recipe will be very useful for all the young mothers who have little babies. God bless.