Moong Dal Pani Recipe: Dal Soup for Babies 6 Months & Above
Moong Dal Pani, a nutritious and comforting dal soup, is perfect for introducing solid foods to your baby at 6 months and beyond. Packed with protein and easily digestible, this simple Indian recipe helps in building strength and promoting good digestion. The light and flavorful soup is not only a wholesome meal for babies but can also be enjoyed by toddlers and adults alike.
This recipe is made from Yellow Moong Dal (split), seasoned with minimal yet aromatic spices like turmeric, cumin, and a hint of asafoetida, providing a mild, delicious taste that is gentle on your baby’s tummy. The addition of ghee brings a rich texture and a subtle flavor that appeals to young taste buds. Garnishing with coriander leaves after 8 months encourages your baby to explore different textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 1/4 cup |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Ghee | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | A pinch |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | A pinch |
| Salt | A pinch |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | A few chopped (8 months onwards) |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 80 kcal |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 50mg |
Preparation & Cooking Instructions:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: High Protein, Vegetarian
-
Pressure Cooking the Moong Dal:
Begin by washing the Yellow Moong Dal thoroughly under cold water. Add the dal to a pressure cooker, along with 1/2 cup of water and a pinch of salt. Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook the dal on medium heat for 3-4 whistles. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally. -
Making the Puree:
After the pressure has released, open the cooker and transfer the cooked dal to a mixer grinder. Blend the dal into a smooth, creamy puree, adding a little more water if needed to reach a soup-like consistency. -
Preparing the Tadka (Tempering):
In a small pan, heat 1/4 teaspoon of ghee over medium heat. Once the ghee has melted, add a pinch of asafoetida (hing), turmeric powder (haldi), and cumin powder (jeera). Stir well for a few seconds to allow the spices to release their aromatic flavors. -
Combining the Tadka with Dal:
Pour the prepared dal puree into the pan with the ghee and spice tempering. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a quick boil. If the soup is too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding more water and stirring well. Once it reaches the desired consistency, turn off the heat. -
Serving the Moong Dal Pani:
Allow the soup to cool slightly before serving it to your baby or toddler. For babies 6 months and older, this dal soup can be served as a standalone meal, either for lunch or dinner. For babies 8 months and older, garnish the soup with finely chopped coriander leaves to introduce a new texture and flavor.
Tip: Ensure the soup is at a comfortable temperature before feeding. Always check for any potential allergies when introducing new ingredients.
Variations & Tips:
- Consistency: You can make the soup thinner or thicker depending on your baby’s preference or feeding stage. Simply add more water for a lighter consistency or reduce water for a heartier texture.
- Spice Levels: Keep the spices mild and minimal. For older babies (8 months and above), you can gradually experiment with a pinch of black pepper or other mild spices to diversify flavors.
- Ghee: Ghee not only enhances the flavor but also provides essential fats for babies’ growth and development. If preferred, you can replace ghee with a mild vegetable oil.
- Coriander: Introduce coriander leaves to babies after 8 months, as the leaves have a strong flavor and texture. Finely chop them before adding to the soup.
Why This Recipe is Great for Babies:
- Protein-Rich: Moong dal is an excellent source of plant-based protein, crucial for your baby’s growth and development.
- Easy to Digest: Moong dal is known for being gentle on the stomach, making it ideal for babies just starting with solids.
- Mild Flavors: The simple spices in this recipe—turmeric, cumin, and hing—add flavor without overwhelming your baby’s sensitive palate.
- Customizable: You can adjust the consistency, flavor, and seasoning as your baby grows and develops preferences.
Serving Suggestion: Serve this Moong Dal Pani with soft rice or with whole wheat bread for older babies. This will provide a wholesome, well-rounded meal that is easy to chew and packed with nutrients.
This recipe can be a regular part of your baby’s meal plan, providing a nutritious and easy-to-make dish that will keep your little one happy and healthy!
