Gut-friendly food for your baby to start with solids.

When my little one turned six months old, I was both excited and nervous about starting baby food such as semi-solids because we had got a go-ahead from the pediatrician to start with baby food. Like every mom, I wanted the best first baby food something easy to digest, nutritious, and, of course, baby-approved! After a lot of research (and mom-approved wisdom from elders), ragi porridge became our first choice of baby food.

At first, it was just plain ragi cooked with water with no sweeteners, no additives like sugar or salt. But as my baby’s taste buds developed, I slowly introduced Slurrp powdered jaggery or homemade date syrup for a hint of natural sweetness because that was allowed. Watching those tiny hands eagerly reach out for each spoonful made me realize I had found the perfect wholesome, iron-rich, and gut-friendly meal to kickstart my baby’s food journey.

However, every baby is different, and some little ones may have sensitivities or allergies to ragi. It’s always best to consult your baby’s pediatrician before introducing any new food and my baby story was no different. You can check out what happened while we introduced the baby it’s first baby meal.

How to Make Ragi Porridge for Babies from 6 months onwards.

If you’re wondering how to prepare ragi porridge for your little one, here’s a simple recipe:

For the first attempt, we bought ragi seeds, dried them, and made the powder at home, ensuring it was fresh and chemical-free. While this was a fulfilling process, I soon started exploring other options for convenience and variety. That’s when I discovered Slurrp immunity booster Sprouted Ragi Powder.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons ragi flour
• 1 cup water or formula milk (as per preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon ghee (optional, for added nutrition)
• Jaggery or dates puree (recommended for natural sweetness, used until the age of two)

Method:

1. In a small pan, mix ragi flour with water or formula milk, ensuring there are no lumps.
2. Cook on low to medium heat, stirring continuously to avoid clumping.
3. Once the mixture thickens and turns glossy (around 5-7 minutes), add ghee if you are using.
4. If desired, add jaggery or dates syrup or puree for sweetness.
5. Allow the porridge to cool slightly before feeding your baby.

Gradually, I began replacing formula milk with Amul Toned Milk, introducing it slowly to ensure my baby’s tummy adjusted well. At first, it was on a trial basis just a small quantity mixed into the porridge to observe how my baby adjusted to the change.

As my baby adapted well to Amul Toned Milk, it became a part of our daily routine. From morning porridge to bedtime meals, it seamlessly replaced formula in most preparations. I used it not just in ragi porridge but also in other homemade baby foods like suji kheer, oats, and mashed rice.

nefit

Drumstick Soup Benefits: The Ultimate Immunity Booster and Breastfeeding Superfood

Drumstick soup is a warm, nourishing delight that’s not just delicious but also loaded with health benefits. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a go-to immunity booster for the whole family. Plus, for all my fellow moms out there. Please understand that there are alot of benefits of Drumstick soup and it is a blessing during breastfeeding!

Drumsticks (moringa) are rich in iron, calcium, and essential nutrients that help boost milk production and support postpartum recovery.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

✅ Immunity booster 🌿
✅ Great for digestion 🍵
✅ Perfect for breastfeeding moms 🤱
✅ Super easy to make! 🥄

Health Benefits of Drumstick Soup

Drumsticks (Moringa oleifera) are widely regarded as a superfood. They are rich in vitamin C, iron, and essential antioxidants that help in reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and strengthening immunity. Studies suggest that moringa aids lactation and boosts breast milk supply, making it an excellent postpartum food. Learn more about the benefits of moringa for lactation here.

Drumstick soup also supports gut health. The fiber in drumsticks helps with digestion, making it a great remedy for constipation. The anti-inflammatory properties of moringa may also help in joint pain relief and managing arthritis symptoms. Read more on the benefits of moringa for inflammation.

Ingredients:

• 4-5 drumsticks, cut into pieces
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ inch ginger, grated
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• ½ tsp black pepper powder
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp ghee or oil
• 4 cups water
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

How to Make Drumstick Soup:

1️⃣ Heat ghee/oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
2️⃣ Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
3️⃣ Add tomatoes, turmeric, black pepper, and salt. Cook until soft.
4️⃣ Toss in the drumsticks and mix well.
5️⃣ Pour in water and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the drumsticks are soft.
6️⃣ Strain the soup or blend it for a thicker consistency.
7️⃣ Garnish with fresh coriander and serve warm!

Kid-Friendly Modifications

Want to make drumstick soup more appealing for kids? Here’s how:

👶 Creamier Texture – Blend the soup to a smooth consistency so it’s easier for little ones to sip. You can also add a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of fresh cream for a richer taste.
🥕 Veggie Boost – Add a small boiled potato or carrot while blending for extra nutrition and a slightly sweet flavor that kids love.
🧀 Cheesy Delight – Stir in a bit of grated cheese while serving to make it more appealing to little taste buds.
🌿 Mild & Flavorful – Reduce black pepper slightly and add a pinch of roasted cumin powder for a milder yet aromatic flavor.

If you are starting for 6 month old babies, I would suggest start with something like Ragi Porridge and then introduce soups.

Why Drumstick Soup is Perfect for Breastfeeding Moms

Breastfeeding can be exhausting, and new moms need nutrient-dense foods to recover and maintain a steady milk supply. Here’s why drumstick soup is a must-have:

• Rich in Iron and Calcium – Prevents postpartum fatigue and strengthens bones.
• Lactation-Boosting Properties – Moringa is well-known to increase milk supply naturally.
• Helps in Postpartum Recovery – The vitamins and minerals support overall healing and energy levels.
• Easy to Digest – Warm soups are gentle on the stomach and aid digestion.

Drumstick Soup for Weight Loss

Did you know drumstick soup can help with weight management? Since it is low in calories and packed with fiber, it keeps you full for longer without adding extra weight. Plus, its anti-inflammatory properties help in reducing bloating and improving metabolism.

If you’re looking for healthy soups for weight loss, drumstick soup is a great addition to your diet. It is low in calories yet filling, making it perfect for those trying to shed a few pounds. Check out more weight-loss-friendly soups here.

Final Thoughts: A Nutritional Powerhouse for Everyone

This soup is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a nutritional powerhouse that supports overall well-being. Perfect for cozy evenings, postpartum recovery, weight management, or just when you need a comforting hug in a bowl! 💛🍵

Try it out and let me know how you liked it! Follow www.mumootalks.in for more such tips on mom recipes.