Dal Chawal / Paruppu Sadam: Baby & Toddler Recipe (for 10+ Months)
Dal Chawal (also known as Paruppu Sadam) is a wholesome, comforting meal made of soft rice and lentils, perfect for babies and toddlers above 10 months. This easy-to-digest recipe, full of nutrients, provides the essential proteins and vitamins needed for your little one’s growth and development. It’s also an ideal option for lunch, whether served alone or paired with vegetables like Carrot Poriyal or Buttered Mashed Potatoes for a well-rounded meal.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 1/4 cup |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Rice | 1/4 cup |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Butter | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | A pinch |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~80-100 |
| Protein | ~4g |
| Carbohydrates | ~18g |
| Fat | ~2g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
| Sodium | ~150mg |
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and depend on exact ingredient brands and portions.)
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings:
- Serves: 2 servings (perfect for two toddlers)
Course:
- Course Type: Lunch
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Prepare Moong Dal:
- Start by washing the yellow moong dal thoroughly under running water.
- In a pressure cooker, combine the washed dal with 1/4 cup of water and a pinch of turmeric powder.
- Pressure cook for 3 whistles. Once the cooker cools down, naturally release the pressure and remove the cooked dal. Set it aside.
-
Cook the Rice:
- In the same pressure cooker, add 1/4 cup of rice along with 1/2 cup of water.
- Pressure cook the rice for 3 whistles, then release the pressure naturally and set the rice aside.
-
Combine Dal and Rice:
- Place a pan on low heat and add 1 teaspoon of butter. Once the butter melts, add the cooked moong dal to the pan.
- Add a pinch of salt and simmer the dal for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the dal is evenly coated with butter and heated through.
-
Mash and Serve:
- In a separate bowl, combine the cooked rice and dal mixture, mixing them well.
- If your baby prefers a smoother, mashed consistency, use a potato masher to mash the rice before mixing it with the dal.
- Optionally, add a dollop of ghee to enhance flavor and richness.
-
Serve:
- Serve the Dal Chawal/Paruppu Sadam warm. If desired, pair it with a vegetable dish like Carrot Poriyal or Buttered Mashed Potatoes to create a complete, nutritious meal for your baby or toddler.
Tips for Serving:
- Ensure that the dal and rice are cooked well, making them soft and easy to mash. You can adjust the consistency based on your child’s preference—some babies may prefer the dal and rice as a smooth mash, while others might enjoy it as a softer texture.
- Ghee can be added to enhance the flavor, but be mindful of the quantity since babies and toddlers don’t need much fat in their diets.
- This dish can be served with other vegetable sides like Carrot Poriyal or Buttered Mashed Potatoes, which will provide added vitamins and minerals.
Dal Chawal/Paruppu Sadam is a fantastic choice for introducing lentils and rice to your little one. This simple, nutritious dish can easily be customized to suit their tastes and dietary needs while providing a balanced and healthy meal.
Enjoy the joy of feeding your baby or toddler with this homemade comfort food that’s both delicious and nutritious!
