A nutritious and gentle first food for babies, combining finely minced meat with a smooth rice porridge. This recipe is easy to digest and packed with iron and protein.
10 min prep
40 min cook
4 servings
97 kcal/serving
Ingredients
1/4 cup white rice
2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
2 ounces lean ground pork, chicken, or beef
1 teaspoon vegetable oil (optional)
1 tablespoon finely chopped carrot (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain.
In a small pot, combine the rice and water or broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
While the rice cooks, heat a small non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the oil (if using) and the ground meat. Cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Transfer the cooked meat to a food processor or blender and pulse until finely minced. For very young babies, you can add a tablespoon of water or broth to achieve a smoother consistency.
Once the rice is very soft and has thickened into a porridge, stir in the minced meat and chopped carrot (if using). Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Allow the porridge to cool to a safe temperature before serving. For younger babies, you can puree the porridge further with an immersion blender or by pressing through a fine-mesh sieve.
Tips
Always test the temperature before feeding your baby.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze in ice cube trays for convenient portions.
For variety, you can substitute the meat with finely flaked fish or pureed cooked liver.