Rainy Day Baby Lauki Khichdi
Vegetarian · 6m+ · en
Perfect for the Indian monsoon, this soft and comforting lauki (bottle gourd) khichdi uses mild yellow moong dal and a touch of ghee. It's incredibly easy to digest, wonderfully warming, and an ideal lunch for babies and toddlers on a rainy afternoon.
- Soak the dal and rice for 20-30 minutes before cooking if you want to speed up the boiling process and make them even easier to digest.
- Make sure to squeeze out the excess water from the grated lauki so the khichdi doesn't become too watery.
- For dairy-free babies, substitute the ghee with a few drops of mild cold-pressed coconut oil.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Servings
- 2
- Age
- 6m+
Ingredients
Watch how it's made
Steps
In a small pot or pressure cooker, dry-roast the washed moong dal and rice over low heat for 2-3 minutes until they become slightly aromatic.
Add the grated bottle gourd (lauki), water, cumin seeds, and turmeric powder to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Cover and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes (or pressure cook for 3-4 whistles) until the lentils, rice, and gourd are completely soft and mushy.
Turn off the heat. Check the consistency and add a splash of warm water if it thickened too much during cooking.
Finish by drizzling the ghee over the warm khichdi and lightly mashing it with a fork before serving.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add salt to this recipe for my toddler?
Yes, for toddlers over 12 months old, you can add a small pinch of salt to taste. For babies under 1 year, strictly avoid adding salt, as their kidneys cannot process it yet.
Why is lauki (bottle gourd) good for babies during the monsoon?
Lauki is very hydrating and incredibly easy on the digestive system. During the monsoon, when digestion can be sluggish, light foods like lauki and yellow moong dal help maintain immunity and hydration without overloading the tummy.
Can I use a different vegetable if I don't have bottle gourd?
Absolutely! Grated zucchini, peeled ash gourd, or even finely grated carrots make great substitutes that cook down to a soft, baby-friendly texture.
What you'll need
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