Homemade Baby Brown Rice Cereal

Brown rice (also called ‘Ofada Rice’ in Nigeria) is healthier and more nutritious than white rice. This is because it has not been stripped off its several layer composition, in contrast with white rice which has been milled and polished to remove almost all its layers thereby stripping off a majority of the nutrients. White rice on its own offers little nutrition and is basically refined starch.

Brown rice is a better option for baby and even the whole family…it contains vitamins (B1, B3 & B6), minerals (phosphorus, manganese) essential fatty acids and fibre which are all lost in the production of white rice. It is a good weaning food for babies and one of the cereals that are commercially introduced to babies from 4-6 months.

You can actually make brown rice cereal at home for your baby by simply washing, drying and grinding the brown rice into powder with your food processor or the dry mill of your blender. Store in an airtight container to retain freshness. You can make and freeze in small food pots or ice cube trays to get handy baby portions. You can then either cook traditionally, or alternatively brown rice instant pot style is just as delicious and a little quicker.

Homemade Baby Brown Rice Cereal Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsps ground brown rice
• 15 tbsps water
• Breast or formula milk

Method:

1. Put the water in a pot and bring to boil.
2. Add the rice powder, stirring constantly on low heat to avoid clumping on sticking on the pot. Simmer for about 8-10 minutes then bring down.
3. Add the breast or formula milk till get the consistency your baby prefers. Preferably introduce a lighter texture first before making it thicker.

Note: You can subsequently introduce other tastes to baby’s cereal with fruit purees, spices and a combination of other foods.

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