One pot meal for Babies and Toddlers

We always think a lot of what to make for babies and toddlers. They always need or ask for variety. This is one such dish which contains all the necessary nutrients containing dhal (lentils), Rice, Veggies and mild spices. My son is now going to be 18 Months. I almost started giving this dish from his 9-10 Months of age.
This can be given to babies who have started eating solid food. It is very fast and easy to cook. We can also make variations with the couple of mix and match in combinations.

Ingredients
2 Table spoon Moong Dhal (split Green gram dhal without the skin)
1 cup Rice (I used Sona Masoori, any kind of rice can be used)
1 table spoon Olive oil or Ghee
2 1/2 cups Water (you can measure yourself based on what texture you want)
VEGETABLES
1/2 Tomato
1 table spoon cup peas
1/2 cup chopped spinach
1 tea spoon chopped onion
1/2 tea spoon Cilantro leaves
5-6 Raisins
1 table spoon yellow bell pepper (optional)
Chopped sweet potatoes (optional)
SPICES
Pinch of Cumin powder
Pinch of Aamchur powder (Dry Mango Powder) or freshly squeezed lime
Pinch of Coriander powder
Pinch of Ginger powder or paste (optional)
Pinch of Garam masala (Kids above 10-11 Months at least)
salt to taste

Method

• In a pressure cooker or frying pan add Ghee and Onions and saute for few a minute.
• Then add all the vegetables, spices and saute for a minute.
• Add washed rice,moong dhal and salt.
• Finally add required amount of water (I added 2 1/2 cups)and let it cook for up to 2-3 whistles.
• (If you are not using pressure cooker, then add water in the pan and cover the lid for couple for minutes until the lentils and rice are well cooked and should be mushy.)
• After the pressure is released from the pressure cooker, take a masher and mash well based on how mushy you want to serve for your child. (if you want you can add more ghee)
• If your child has not started eating little chunky veggies. This can be pureed to a smooth paste.

Notes
You can choose veggies based on what your child likes and have started eating.
Spices can be avoided or added very mild. Even just a tiny bit of salt will taste good without any spices.[Kind of a variation]
Moong dhal is added  for easier digestion for the babies and kids. Usually Toor dhal is introduced later, since it is little slow in digestion.
We can make this dish by avoiding the dhal also. Just with plain rice and veggies.[This is another kind of variation]

This is one of the most nutritious food given to the babies or kids.

This is called 'One pot meal' because we add all the ingredients in pressure cooker. Once the pressure is released the dish is ready to eat.

This goes to Roma Sarma's 'My baby's Favorite Food'
and Healthy Morsels Baby and Toddler Food

Vegetable

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Sarson Ka saag |Gravy with Mustard greens

I had been to the Farmers market on Sunday and bought these lovely greens. They were looking so fresh and crisp. I wanted to buy them right away and had no second thoughts. Though this is the first time i am cooking with these leaves. I was browsing for dishes made with these leaves. And, finally made my own version of saag without any cream. All of in my house, including my son loved it. I have decided to make this often from now on.
'Sarson da saag' is a famous punjabi dish cooked with mustard greens and spinach. Those leaves are huge big  has thick stalks.  These look very similar to kale leaves. Just the color is a bit lighter than kale.
Mustard greens is very good for health and has a whole bunch of nutrition and vitamins in it.
More health benefits about Mustard greens can be found in the following link, WhFoods
                      


 Here goes the recipe,
1 huge bunch of Mustard greens
1 1/2 cup Spinach 
1 chopped onion
1 chopped  tomato
1 tea spoon garam Masala
1 tea spoon coriander powder
1 tea spoon chilli powder
2 tea spoon ghee
1 tea spoon cumin seeds 
salt to taste

• In a pressure cooker add ghee,cumin seeds and allow to splutter. Add the onion and fry for a minute then add the tomato and saute for few minutes. 
• Then add mustard greens,spinach , little water and salt and allow to cook up-to one whistle and switch off the stove.
• Once the pressure releases, just churn once the mixture or mash well. Again, switch on the stove and add garam masala,coriander powder and chilli powder. Allow to simmer at least for 15-20 minutes. Once the gravy thickens add paneer if you want and serve hot with Roti's. There was a unique taste of this mustard green.

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