Nourishing Veggie Blend: Wholesome Soup for Little Ones

Are you looking for a nutritious and delicious soup recipe that your little one will love? Look no further than this bottle gourd and cauliflower soup! Packed with vitamins and minerals, this soup is perfect for babies and toddlers who are just starting to explore new flavours and textures. Plus, it's easy to make and can be customised to suit your child's tastes. Give it a try and watch as your little one slurps it up with delight!

Bottle gourd is a low-calorie vegetable that is high in fibre and may help improve digestion and promote hydration.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup peeled and chopped bottle gourd (doodhi / lauki)
• ½ cup yellow moong dal (split yellow gram), washed
• 1 small garlic clove (optional)
• 1 pinch turmeric powder
• 1½ cups water (adjust as needed)
• ½ tsp ghee or coconut oil (optional)
• A pinch of cumin powder (optional for older toddlers)
• Salt – only if pediatrician recommends (avoid for babies under 1 year)
  

Cooking Time:

16 mins

Method:

1. Wash moong dal thoroughly and soak for 15–20 minutes (optional, helps faster cooking).
2. In a pressure cooker or pan, add dal, chopped bottle gourd, turmeric, and water.
3. Pressure cook for 2–3 whistles or cook in a pan until dal and gourd are soft.
4. Let it cool slightly, then blend to a smooth puree using a hand blender or mixer.
5. Add a drop of ghee and mix well before serving.
6. For toddlers above 1 year, a tiny pinch of cumin powder can be added for flavor.

Tips/Precautions

• Ensure everything is well-cooked and mashed for easy digestion.
• For first-time feeding, introduce a small portion and check for any allergies.
• Skip salt entirely for babies under 1 year.

Health benefits

• Rich in water content, fiber, and essential vitamins;
• Easy to digest and helps in relieving constipation in babies.
• Keeps the baby hydrated and boosts immunity naturally.