Sweet Dalia Porridge
A warm, comforting porridge made with broken wheat, milk, and naturally sweetened with jaggery and dates. It's a nutritious and easily digestible breakfast, perfect for toddlers and growing kids.
For 4 servings
Prepare the ingredients.
If using whole almonds, blanch them in hot water for a minute, then peel and sliver. Finely chop the pitted dates. Keep all ingredients measured and ready.
Roast the dalia in ghee.
In a small pot or pressure cooker base, heat the ghee over medium-low heat. Add the broken wheat and roast for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously until it becomes fragrant and turns a light golden color.
TIPDon't skip this step. Roasting the dalia prevents it from becoming sticky and adds a wonderful nutty flavor to the porridge.Cook the dalia.
Carefully pour in the 2 cups of water. Stir well to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the dalia is soft and has absorbed most of the water.
TIPIf using a pressure cooker, add the water, close the lid, and cook for 2-3 whistles on medium heat.Add milk and sweeteners.
- Pour in the milk and stir to combine with the cooked dalia.
- Add the powdered jaggery and finely chopped dates.
- Mix everything well and let it simmer on low heat for another 3-4 minutes until the jaggery dissolves and the porridge thickens.
- Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
TIPAdd the jaggery after the dalia is cooked. Adding it earlier can sometimes prevent the grains from softening properly.Finish with cardamom and serve.
Turn off the heat and stir in the pinch of cardamom powder. Transfer the warm porridge to serving bowls. Garnish with the slivered almonds before serving.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a smoother consistency suitable for younger toddlers, you can blend the porridge lightly with an immersion blender before serving.
- 2You can add other fruit purees like apple or pear along with the milk for extra flavor and nutrients.
- 3Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired porridge consistency. Add more for a thinner porridge.
- 4Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of milk.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is very healthy. It provides complex carbohydrates for energy, fiber for good digestion, and essential nutrients like iron from jaggery. The use of ghee provides healthy fats important for brain development.
