Barley makes the best first food for babies. Since it is less allergenic and it is quite filling too. I made an easy porridge using that and added some apples into it to make it a little sweeter. I used the whole barley, so I used a pressure cooker to cook it. I have included a method for cooking barley on a saucepan too. So make sure you read the complete recipe.
Few things you have to remember before making this.
1) The consistency of the porridge which you make totally depends on you. You can make it too runnier and pour it bottles and feed your baby or make it a little thicker and feed your baby using a spoon.
2) If you feed a good bowl of this for your baby. Your baby will sleep peacefully for a good 2 hours. It is that filling.
3) This won't cause constipation in babies. I am feeding this every alternate day to maha and she is passing stool daily.
4) You can start feeding this to a 6 to a 10-month baby.
How to make Barley Apple Porridge for Babies:
Ingredients:
Whole Barley – 1/4 cup
Apples – 1 cup peeled and cubed
Water – 3.5 cup
Method:
First, start by cooking barley. Take barley in a bowl and wash it well. Add it to a pressure cooker, pour over 3 cups of water, cover and pressure cook for 5 whistles. simmer for 15 to 20 mins. Switch off the heat and let the pressure go all by itself. Open the pressure cooker, taste to see whether the apples are cooked.
Now add in the chopped apples and 1/2 cup of water.
Place it on the stove and cook on a low heat for 2 mins.
Now puree this using a hand blender or using a blender till it is smooth.
Pour into a clean bowl and feed your baby.
How to cook barley on the stovetop:
Take whole barley in a blender and powder it.
Heat 3 cups of water in a saucepan, Bring it to a good boil.
Add in barley powder and keep whisking. Now cover it and simmer the pan for 25 to 30 mins till it is completely cooked and the porridge gets thick.
Now add in pureed apples and cook for a further 2 mins.
You can serve this porridge to babies as it is, or if you want it super smooth, you can puree this once more and feed your baby.
