Sathu Maavu Kanji | Multigrain Porridge | Weaning foods

Today is the final day of Week 1 in the 24th edition of blogging Marathon, where I have chosen Weaning Foods as the theme.The last two days recipes were Moong Kichidi and Carrot Beetroot soup.

Weaning is the transition phase for the baby where it progresses from breast milk to semi solid and solid foods and at this time it is essential to provide the right nutrients in the right quantity.

Different cultures have different times and patterns of weaning . Generally around here people start by giving Ragi Porridge. It is a malted preparation and hence it is easily digestible  It is also a rich source of Calcium and other minerals and nutrients.

Apart from the regular Ragi Porridge, we can also give another type of porridge that is prepared by mixing a bunch of cereals, lentils and nuts. It is calorie dense and also protein rich.This powder is called Sathu Maavu or Health mix.

This powder is readily  available in shops around here and it is also a popular breakfast. It is quick to make and also quite filling and healthy. This ready mix may be okay for the adults but when it comes to feeding it for the Lil one , it is always better to make it at home. This heath mix powder can also be used by older children and adults.

My SIL’s home always has a huge box of this powder and when she visited us a couple of months ago, she got some for me to try for Lil dude and Lil Angel. I got the list of ingredients from her to make it at home the next time.Though the list is lengthy, it is very easy to prepare and can be prepared in bulk and stored.

This powder has nuts in it so it is advisable to consult your health care provider if there is a family history of nut allergy. For that matter it is always better to  Consult your Pediatrician before starting any weaning food for your baby

The ingredient in the list below can be altered  and also you can add / omit any ingredient

Wheat – 100 grams
Red rice / Rose matta rice / Brown rice – 100 grams
Green gram / Whole moong – 100 grams
White corn – 100 grams
Bajra – 100 grams
Ragi – 100 grams
Roasted channa dal – 100 grams
Roasted peanuts  – 100 grams
Channa dal – 100 grams
Almonds- 25 grams
Cashews – 25 grams

1. Roast each ingredient separately. No need to brown any ingredient, lightly roast them and cool.
2. If there is a flour mill nearby, then you will be able to get the ingredients ground to a fine powder.Else powder them in your mixie / blender in batches. Sieve a couple of times and blend again till you get a fine powder.

Usually we need not add sugar but can add palm candy if you wish. Dissolve the palm candy in warm water.Strain and add to the porridge and mix before serving.

Once the baby is used to having this porridge and the pediatrician gives a green signal to start on cow’s milk, add a few teaspoons of milk in this preparation. Later on gradually increase the quantity of milk and finally it can fully replace the water in the porridge.