Homemade Instant Cerelac for Babies- Sharmis Passions

Homemade Instant Cerelac is a simple and healthy porridge mix that you can make at home for babies. It is mainly prepared using poha and fried gram dal, then cooked with water to make a soft, smooth porridge. You can add a bit of jaggery syrup or salt to for babies above 1 year of age.

I like making this at home because it is fresh, no preservatives and you know exactly what goes into your baby’s food. It is very light, filling and easy to digest. You can start giving this from 6 months onwards and keep it as a regular breakfast or evening meal. It is one of the easiest homemade baby foods that you can rely on.

About Homemade Instant Cerelac

Cerelac is usually available in stores, but the homemade version is more natural and safe. This mix is made by dry roasting poha and gram dal, then grinding into a smooth fine powder. You can store it in airtight container and make instant porridge whenever needed.

This baby food is easy to prepare, just cook the powder with water until it thickens. You can make it plain with little salt or add jaggery syrup for natural sweetness. You can even make no-cook version by just adding hot water straight to the mix, it will turn into porridge without any cooking.

The porridge taste mild and creamy, and the soft poha makes it really smooth for babies. Fried gram dal gives some protein and keeps it filling. Adding ghee is optional but it gives richness and also helps babies digest better. You can prepare this in a small jar of this mix every month and store in fridge.

I used to make this for my babies. It helps a lot on busy mornings when baby is hungry that and you need to make something quick.

This is very handy during travel if you want to feed homemade cerelac for your baby. Homemade cerelac powder for babies is a baby food base ingredient used for making porridge for babies.

Homemade cerelac powder for babies is made by roasting poha & fried gram dal separately and then grinding & mixing it to form a powder. How to make Homemade cerelac powder for babies is posted here with step by step pictures. Ideal for 6-12 months babies.

This Homemade Instant Cerelac can be started once the baby starts 5 months(Check my notes). I usually make it as porridge heating and cooking for sometime but during travel I just add it to hot water and mix it.

NOTE : But remember mothers feed is the best and its always good to start with other food only after the baby finishes 6 months. These baby food recipes will help those who are not able to breast feed due to personal / medical conditions. Always consult your pediatrician before introducing any new food.

Homemade Instant Cerelac Ingredients

• Poha – I have used thin poha, and dry roasted lightly to bring nice aroma. It gives smooth base for porridge and makes it easy to digest.
• Fried gram dal – This adds protein and also gives a nutty taste to the porridge, you can slightly reduce if you want a milder flavor.
• Ghee – I just added little ghee to make it richer and give good fats, but you can skip if you don’t want.
• Jaggery syrup or salt – Use jaggery syrup for natural sweetness or little salt if you want it plain. Adjust based on your baby age and taste.

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How to make Cerelac Powder Step by Step

1.Measure and keep the ingredients ready.I used thin poha. Dry roast for few mins until it turns slightly crisp and nice aroma comes.Do not let the color change.

2.Cool for few mins, then grind it to a fine powder,Set aside.In a pan dry roast gram dal till slightly golden,Let it cool then transfer to a mixer jar.

3.Grind it to a fine powder.You can mix both the powders well with a spoon or sieve it once.

4.Sieve it once,discard if any specks are found.Store the powder in an airtight container.

Homemade Cerelac powder is ready.

How to make Cerelac for Babies Step by Step

1.Measure and keep the ingredients ready. Boil water, add cereal mix and whisk it well to avoid lumps.

2.Cook in low flame.It will become thick.Add ghee and keep cooking.

3.Cook till it comes together like a porridge.You can see the consistency here.

4.Add salt (OR) jaggery syrup. Mix well cook for few minutes then switch off.

5.For no cook version : Add hot water to the serving bowl, add cereal mix powder mix well with  spoon.Add salt/jaggery syrup mix it and feed.

Serve warm immediately.

Expert Tips

• Roasting – I just always roast poha and gram dal on low flame, it is important for flavor and easy grinding.
• Grinding – Make sure to grind it very fine, I usually sieve it once to remove small bits.
• Serving age – For babies under 6 months, cook the porridge well before feeding, I don’t prefer raw mix at that stage.
• Consistency – The porridge thickens as it cools, so switch off a little earlier if you want softer texture.
• Storage – I store the mix in airtight box, it stays good for few weeks in fridge, don’t keep too long outside.

Serving and Storage

Serve Homemade Cerelac warm right after cooking, as babies prefer it soft and slightly runny. You can feed it as plain or add ghee and jaggery syrup if your baby likes sweet taste.

Leftover porridge should not be stored, always make fresh for babies. The powder mix can be stored airtight for weeks, but the prepared porridge has to be eaten immediately.

FAQS

1.Can I skip gram dal?

Yes, you can skip gram dal if your baby doesn’t like it, but then porridge will be lighter.

2.Can I prepare in advance?

You can make the powder in bulk and store, but porridge should always be made fresh.

3.Can I feed without ghee?

Yes, ghee is optional, but adding small quantity is good for digestion and growth.

4.Is jaggery safe for babies?

Yes, jaggery is safe for babies after 1 year, use clean homemade jaggery syrup, not raw chunks.

5.Can I use thick poha instead of thin?

Yes, but roast a little longer and grind very fine, else porridge will not be smooth.

If you have any more questions about this Homemade Cerelac for Babies do mail me at [email protected]. In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook,  Pinterest, Youtube and Twitter .

Tried this  Homemade Cerelac for Babies ? Do let me know how you liked it. Also tag us on Instagram @sharmispassions and hash tag it on #sharmispassions.

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