Nutrient-Rich Bok Choy Porridge for Growing Babies
Stage 1 Early Baby Food: Bok Choy Porridge Rich in Calcium
Bok choy is a great ingredient for growing babies as it’s rich in calcium, which aids in the formation of strong teeth, bones, and robust cellular tissues. Support your baby’s healthy growth with this smooth and easily digestible bok choy porridge.
Ingredients- 16g rice (approx. 2 Tbsp)
- 13g bok choy (leaves only)
- 330ml filtered water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Soak the rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly and let it soak in water for 3-4 hours. Soaking makes the rice grains softer, resulting in a smoother porridge.
Step 2
Prepare the bok choy: Measure out 13g of bok choy. For a tender texture suitable for babies, use only the soft leaves and discard the tougher stems.
Step 3
Wash the bok choy: Carefully wash the separated bok choy leaves under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 4
Blanch the bok choy: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the bok choy leaves and blanch for just about 10 seconds. Overcooking can reduce nutrients. Immediately remove the leaves and rinse them in cold water to preserve their vibrant color.
Step 5
Blend the ingredients: Squeeze out excess water from the blanched bok choy. Place the bok choy leaves, soaked rice, and 180ml of filtered water into a blender. Blend until extremely smooth. It’s crucial to blend it as finely as possible so your baby can easily digest it.
Step 6
Transfer to a pot: Pour the finely blended mixture into a saucepan. Add the remaining 150ml of filtered water. Now, you’re ready to cook the delicious bok choy porridge.
Step 7
Cook the porridge: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously with a spatula to prevent the rice from clumping or sticking to the bottom. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to low. Continue stirring gently and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the porridge becomes slightly sticky and translucent. Cook until it reaches a consistency suitable for your baby.
Step 8
Strain the porridge: Let the porridge cool slightly, then strain it through a fine-mesh sieve. Ensure only the smooth liquid passes through, leaving behind any small lumps or grains. This step is important for your baby’s delicate digestive system.
Step 9
Your nourishing bok choy porridge is now complete! Its gentle green hue is appealing, and it’s packed with nutrients.
Step 10
Portion and store: Divide the finished porridge into baby food containers, filling each with approximately 70ml. This makes about 3 servings. Store in the refrigerator and serve within 3 days. For longer storage, portion into individual servings and freeze for up to a week. Thaw and warm gently before feeding.
