Multi-grain – Nuts Porridge (Kanji)

First of all, It is very hard to prepare a healthy nutritious “not- boring” breakfast “every” morning. Even if we prepare, it is very hard to feed kids at the rush hour. Especially with my daughter, some days she prefers south Indian tiffin and simply doesn’t want to eat bread or cereal (different varieties of muti-grain cereal just lying there in my pantry L)  I make Dosa or Idly if I have batter or make pongal or upma if I have time J. Other days I prefer this kanji which I feel is essential at least 3 days a week. This is definitely a stress-free breakfast for both of us. I remember when I was a kid, my mom used to make me sathumavu kanji( Has 25 diff grains &nuts and involves  a looooong process).  Last time when I went to India, my mom packed it for my daughter (of course for me too!)  I’ll get the recipe for that (I know it is a tedious job though..)

This is an alternate for those who are not aware of that sathu mavu kanji or do not have it in stock J

Multi-grain cereal (any variety) – powdered together

Dry roast the following and powder it separately and store it in an air tight container.

Almonds –

Cashews

Walnut

Oats

Rice Flakes (aval)

Method:

Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of powdered oats or powdered Rice flakes with 1 cup of water and allow it boil with occasional stirring until it comes to thick consistency (kanji/porridge). Add 1 teaspoon of multi-grain cereal powder and 1 teaspoon of all the nut powder. Add milk & sugar or little water and salt depending upon your kid’s preference.

For those who don’t want to give sugar, you can add raisin powder or honey together or separately. You can also add some fruits to it like banana, apple etc.

I usually sprinkle very little salt and feed my daughter. She likes to drink milk and fruits separately and doesn’t like it if it is mixed with any porridge.  But I know some kids who like to be mixed with milk. Try this for your kids (especially 18 months to 3 years) Very nutritious and well balanced breakfast. If you are using Gerber ready –to –eat cereal, try to add some nut powder to it