Many parents may consider makhana for babies’ meals. Makhana is an Indian word for roasted and popped seeds of the prickly water lily plant (also called fox nut or Gorgon plant). The word also refers to the roasted and popped seeds of the lotus plant. Nevertheless, both the seed types have a similar appearance and almost identical nutritional profile. The seeds have a diverse nutrient profile, making them a safe and excellent addition to baby food. In this post, we share about the safe age to introduce makhana to babies, its nutritional profile, safe ways to feed it to a baby, and some makhana recipes to try.
When Can You Introduce Makhana To Babies?
Makhana can be introduced to babies after the age of six months, around the time when the baby would start eating a variety of cereals and grains. However, like any other food, follow a three to five-day wait rule while introducing makhana. It will help rule out any possible intolerance, sensitivity, or allergy. Parents should feed the age-appropriate form of makhana to the baby to ensure safety. Younger babies who can not chew should be served makhana as a paste or in cereal form. Older babies, who can chew, can be served fried or roasted makhana as delectable finger food.
Nutritional Value Of Makhana
Like many other edible seeds, makhana is mostly used in dried form. One cup of dried fox nut or lotus seed (32g) will provide the following nutrients against their recommended amounts to support your baby’s nutritional needs (1) (2). Sources: U.S. Department of Agriculture and World Health Organization
Probable Health Benefits Of Makhana For Babies
Regular consumption of makhana might be beneficial to the baby in the following ways. Studies have also demonstrated the antiviral, immunomodulatory, diuretic, and antiemetic properties of fox nut and lotus seeds. However, your baby should consume these seeds in moderation.
Probable Side Effects Of Makhana In Babies
Makhana seldom has any side effects unless consumed in large amounts. It is still good to know these effects, especially when introducing makhana to your baby.
Tips For Selecting And Storing Lotus Seeds
The following are some simple steps that you can follow while shopping and storing makhana. Properly stored lotus seeds or fox nuts can be used to prepare several delectable dishes such as makhana cereal, makhana porridge, etc. for babies.
Nutritious And Delectable Makhana Recipes For Babies
Here are some age-specific makhana recipes that you may try for your baby.
1. Makhana cereal (6+ months)
This recipe is suitable for babies who have started solids. It is easy to prepare and can be given as an instant cereal mix. You can mix it with fruit purees, vegetable purees, and other baby food, as well. You will need:
1 cup plain makhana 1 cup plain water
How to: Tip: In case your baby does not like the bland taste of the cereal, you can add half a teaspoon of jaggery powder. You may also add cumin powder or a bit of salt if your baby likes savory dishes.
2. Roasted masala makhana (8 months+)
Roasted masala makhana makes for an excellent addition to your baby’s finger food menu. You will need:
3 cups makhana ¼tsp black pepper powder ¼tsp turmeric powder Salt, as per taste 1 tsp ghee
How to: Tip: You can serve larger pieces of makhana to older babies and toddlers who are already eating various other finger foods.
3. Makhana porridge or makhana kheer (1 year +)
Itis a simple recipe made with protein-rich makhana and milk, and can be given to babies older thanayear. You will need:
1 cup makhana 2 cups milk 1 tsp jaggery powder ½tsp cardamom powder 1 tsp dry fruit powder
How to: Tip: You can add fresh cut nuts, like almond, walnut, and pistachio to the recipe. However, ensure that you cut the nuts into thin and smaller pieces. For toddlers, you may consider adding roasted sesame and pumpkin seeds in small amounts.
4. Makhana and lentil soup
This protein-rich and easy-to-digest recipe can be given to babies once they have started solids. You will need:
1 cup mixed lentil 3 tbsp makhana powder ½ cup onion (diced) ½ cup tomatoes (diced) ¼ cup parsley (finely chopped) ½tsp ginger garlic paste 1 tsp mixed herb powder 1 tbsp virgin olive oil Salt, to taste
How to: Tip: You can add seasonal vegetables to this recipe to intensify the nutritional content of the recipe. You may also add roasted seeds.
