Poha and Dates Porridge for Toddlers

Poha (flattened rice, also called chiwra) cooks in minutes, is gentle on the tummy and costs very little. This poha recipe for toddler breakfasts pairs it with soft dates for natural sweetness, no sugar needed. It also works well for babies from around 8 months if you blend it smoother.

Ingredients (1 toddler portion)

• 3 tablespoons thin or medium poha
• 1 to 2 soft dates (khajoor), pitted
• Half to three-quarters of a cup of water, or half water and half milk for children over 12 months (milk is fine in cooking from 6 months)
• A pinch of elaichi (cardamom) powder
• Half a teaspoon of ghee (optional)
• Optional for over 12 months: a teaspoon of finely ground almonds or a little smooth peanut butter, only if already introduced

Step-by-step method

1. Prepare the dates: soak pitted dates in a few tablespoons of hot boiled water for 15 minutes, then mash or blend into a paste. Remove any tough skin.
2. Rinse the poha: place the poha in a sieve and rinse under running water for a few seconds until it softens. Do not soak it for long or it turns mushy.
3. Roast lightly (optional): warm the ghee in a small pan and stir the poha for 1 minute for a nutty taste.
4. Cook: add the water and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring and mashing with the back of the spoon, until soft and creamy.
5. Sweeten and flavour: stir in the date paste and elaichi and cook 1 more minute.
6. Adjust texture: mash or blend for younger children, leave soft grains for toddlers.
7. Cool and serve: test on your wrist; it should be warm, not hot.

Texture by age

• 8 to 9 months: blend to a smooth, slightly thick porridge. Introduce poha and dates separately first.
• 10 to 12 months: mashed with soft grains, no hard bits.
• Over 12 months: softened grains with a thicker texture, or a savoury poha (below) as a finger food on a spoon.

Savoury variation: vegetable poha

1. Rinse 3 tablespoons poha as above.
2. In a little oil or ghee, soften finely chopped onion, grated carrot and a few peas until very soft.
3. Add a pinch of haldi (turmeric) and a pinch of zeera, then the poha and 2 to 3 tablespoons water.
4. Cover and steam for 3 minutes. Mash the peas lightly for younger toddlers.
5. Stir in a little scrambled egg or shredded chicken for protein. No salt under 12 months, and very little after.

Skip the roasted peanuts usually sprinkled on poha; whole peanuts are a choking risk for children under 5.

Serving and storing tips

• Pair the sweet version with a boiled egg, or serve the savoury version with plain dahi, for a more balanced breakfast.
• Poha thickens as it cools; add a spoon of warm water and stir before serving.
• Cook fresh. If you must store it, refrigerate within an hour and use within 24 hours.
• Store dry poha in an airtight jar; in monsoon humidity check for insects before use.

When you are out and about

For trips, Nutri Bowl Travel mix: poha and dates gives you the same comforting combination ready to mix. Check the pack for full ingredients and allergen information.

Frequently asked questions

Is poha good for toddlers every day?

It can be a regular breakfast, but rotate with other grains like daliya, oats, sooji and ragi for variety.

Can I use jaggery (gur) instead of dates?

Gur is still added sugar. Avoid it under 12 months and keep it occasional for toddlers. Dates or ripe banana are better choices.

Thick or thin poha for children?

Thin poha softens faster and suits younger children. Medium poha keeps more texture for older toddlers.

More ideas: Poha for Babies: Light, Quick and Easy to Digest and Dates for Babies: Natural Sweetness Without Sugar.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Please check with your paediatrician before starting new foods, especially if your baby has allergies, reflux or was born early.