These savoury rice porridges contain many of the ingredients that baby needs to get through the day. Adding scant amounts of ginger, garlic and chicken to mild rice is a great way to introduce new flavours to your baby. The oil in this recipe is a good source of fat, which supplies energy and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. The carbohydrates found in rice provide another source of energy and assists in the utilization of fats.
Traditional Rice Congee
Traditionally a dish eaten in China and the rice growing regions of Southeast Asia. Rice Congee, an unseasoned and unsweetened rice pudding is eaten much like a slice of toast – for breakfast and as a filler between meals. Light and digestible, it is the perfect baby food. Grownups eat it hot; for babies let it cool to finger temperature.
Gluten-Free Rice
Tip: All rice, even the rice labeled “glutinous” is gluten-free, making it non-allergenic. It is also free of extrinsic sugar, the sticky stuff which leads to tooth decay!
Simple Rice Congee
- ½ cup short grain rice (Thai fragrant is perfect)
- 2 ½ cups of water
If you have time, soak the rice for 2 hours in plenty of cold water, then drain. If not, no matter.
Put the rice in a roomy pot and add the water (proportions do matter though: for a rice to make pudding, the grains must absorb 4 times their own volume of liquid). Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, loosely cover and simmer gently for a least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until you have a soft soupy pudding. It freezes well – just pop a supply in the ice cube tray and defrost portions as needed.
Chicken, Veggies and Spices with Rice Congee
Ingredients
- 1 tsp oil 5 mL
- 2 tbsp minced shallots 30 mL
- 1 small clove garlic, minced 1
- 1 tsp minced ginger 5 mL
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice 250 mL
- 2 cups water 500 mL
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cooked chicken 50 mL
- 2 tbsp finely chopped carrots 30 mL
- 1 tbsp finely chopped celery 15 mL
Instructions
- In a deep skillet, heat oil over medium high-heat.
- Cook shallots, garlic and ginger for one minute.
- Stir in rice.
- Add water and bring to boil. Reduce heat and stir in chicken, carrots and celery.
- Cook until rice is very soft and vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.
Related:
Homemade Chicken Soup with Rice for Babies
Homemade Brown Rice and Quinoa Baby Food
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