Ragi Porridge for Babies – Sharmis Junoon

Ragi porridge for babies is one of those very simple and gentle foods that many mothers like to introduce when the baby starts taking solid foods. I have mentioned 2 ways to make ragi porridge for babies, one is with sprouted ragi flour which is quick to make if you have flour at hand, the other is with whole ragi which takes time. Its taste is very mild, so children usually eat it without any problem.

This porridge is mostly given to babies after six months as it keeps them slightly full for a long time and gives steady energy. This millet contains natural fibre, calcium and iron, hence it is a good choice for growing children. When cooked properly, it becomes smooth and easy to swallow, making it very comfortable as a first meal.

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About Ragi Porridge for Babies

Ragi porridge for babies is a very common traditional food made in many homes for years. It is made by using sprouted ragi flour or by extracting milk from soaked ragi grains. Its taste remains very mild and the porridge thickens well while cooking. The taste is simple, and yet seems very nutritious and filling for small children.

The texture of this porridge depends on how much water you add and how much time you take to cook the porridge. Some people like it thinner in the beginning, while others make it a little thicker once the baby gets used to solids. You can serve it plain, or if the baby is above one year old, you can add some jaggery syrup to it later. Both methods yield smooth and soft porridge.

There are two common variations of this porridge. One is porridge made from sprouted ragi flour, which is easy and can be prepared in less time. The second is ragi milk porridge, where milk is extracted from whole ragi grains and gives a more mild taste. Both methods yield soft and creamy porridge, which is perfect for quick feedings.

I usually make the sprouted flour version on normal days as it is faster, and make the ragi milk version only when I have a few spare minutes. A small batch works best as this porridge thickens as it cools.

Ragi Porridge Ingredients for Babies

• sprouted ragi flour – I have used it to make porridge smooth and to give it a natural taste. If sprouted grains are not available, you can also use regular ragi flour.
• whole ragi grain – I have used it for ragi milk porridge when I want a refreshing taste. Finger millet also does the same thing.
• Water – I use water to get the right runny consistency, and add a little more if it looks too thick.
• jaggery syrup – I have added it only for children above one year, it has mild sweetness. You can omit it or use a mild sweetener.
• Ghee – I add a few drops as it helps digestion and gives a mild taste, you can also leave it out.

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How to make ragi porridge for kids step by step

Method 1

1.Pour ¾ to 1 cup water in a pan. Add sprouted ragi powder (I used homemade) into the pan.

2.It should be very watery like this. Beat well so that there are no lumps. – Add ghee to it and start cooking.

3.Let it cook on low flame, it will start thickening, at this stage add your sweetener. I used palm sugar powder.

4.Continue cooking as shown till it rises on the ladle. Switch off at this stage. The entire process will take 5-7 minutes on low flame.

Feed hot with a few drops of ghee or just like that.

Method 2

1. Take ragi, wash it thoroughly and soak it overnight. Wash again and drain the water. Take it out in a mixer jar.

2.First blend rapidly 2-3 times, then add water and pulse again.

3. Take a muslin cloth, take it out and take out the milk. – Squeeze the cloth until the milk comes out properly. The milk will thicken.

4.You can add some more water and beat it again, you will get thin milk. If you don’t have a cloth you can also use a strainer. Take out the milk by pressing it with a spoon.

5. If you find the milk too thick then add a little water to it and cook. Pour the extracted milk in a pan and heat it. Keep mixing with a ladle otherwise it will form lumps if you leave it aside. As you can see, it will gradually thicken.

6. Milk will thicken, at this stage add ghee and cook for a few minutes. If you are adding any sweetener then add it at this stage.

7.Cook for a few more minutes until it thickens as shown. Cook on low flame.

8.When it becomes thick, it will form the sides of the pan like halwa, close as shown below. It may thicken further as it cools. Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve.

Serve hot ragi porridge to children.

Expert Tips

• Stability – I usually keep the porridge a little watery at first, thick porridge may be difficult for small children to handle.
• sweetener – I have added jaggery syrup only after one year, if the child is less than one year then you can skip it completely.
• stirring – I usually keep adding ragi while cooking, because if I am not careful, it forms lumps very fast.
• cooking time – I have noticed that ragi takes time to cook properly, slow cooking makes it smooth.
• coolant – I noticed that the porridge becomes thicker after cooling, so I stop a little earlier.

serving and storage

Serve ragi porridge for kids hot with a few drops of ghee or plain if you prefer. It is good as a morning meal or a small evening meal when the weather is a little cooler. Leftover oatmeal tends to be very thick, so I don’t recommend storing it for long periods of time. If necessary, refrigerate for a few hours and add hot water when reheating.

general questions and answers

1.Can I use regular ragi flour instead of sprouted?

Yes, you can also use regular ragi flour, it will not be as light as sprouted ragi but still works fine.

2.Can I give it to children below six months of age?

No, it is better to wait till six months, small babies do not digest solids well.

3.Can I skip ghee?

Yes, you can skip the ghee, but a few drops helps reduce dryness and makes it easier to digest.

4.Can I make this porridge in advance?

You can make a little ahead, but it thickens as it cools, so you may have to add hot water.

5.Can I use sweetener for small children?

For babies below one year of age, it is better not to add jaggery or honey, you can also give it plain.

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