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Papilla de quinua for babies
6m+ · Andean quinoa cooked until it bursts and blended with pumpkin into a smooth weaning porridge
In the high Andes around Cusco, Puno and La Paz, quinoa is the grain families have fed babies for centuries, and papilla de quinua is the first porridge many Andean mothers make at six months. The seeds are washed hard to remove their bitter saponin coating, simmered until they burst and show a little white tail, then blended with sweet zapallo (pumpkin) or apple into a smooth, nutty porridge. It is rich in protein and iron for a plant food. For babies there is no salt, sugar, panela or honey. It is free of the major allergens. Chef's tip: rub the quinoa between your palms under running water until the water no longer foams; that foam is what tastes bitter.
- Total time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 2
Baby & toddler safety
- Age: from 6 months+.
- Allergens: none of the common allergens found in the ingredients. Offer one new allergen at a time, in the morning, so you can watch for a reaction.
- Texture and choking: purée or mash smoothly for 6–9 months, then soft, finger-sized pieces that squash between your fingers. Cut round foods such as grapes and cherry tomatoes into quarters lengthways, never give whole nuts, and always stay with your child while they eat.
- Under 1: no honey, no added salt or stock cubes, and no added sugar.
Every child is different. If you are unsure, especially about allergies, check with your health visitor or paediatrician.
Ingredients
- 1 oz white quinoa
- 1 cup waterplus extra to thin
- 2 ⅛ oz pumpkin (or other orange squash)peeled and diced small, or 1 small sweet apple
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Method
0/5 doneStep 1: Put 1 oz white quinoa in a fine sieve and rinse under cold running water for 2 minutes, rubbing it between your hands, until the water runs clear and stops foaming. Common mistake: skipping this; unwashed quinoa tastes soapy and bitter.
3 minStep 2: Put the quinoa, 1 cup water and 2 ⅛ oz pumpkin (or other orange squash) in a small pan, bring to the boil, then cover and simmer gently for 20 minutes, until the grains have burst, show their white spiral tails and the pumpkin is completely soft.
20 minStep 3: Blend with the cooking liquid until perfectly smooth, adding boiled water or your baby's usual milk to a soft, spoonable porridge.
2 minStep 4: Cool to lukewarm and check on your wrist before serving.
Step 5: Cool leftovers fast, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days, or freeze in small pots for up to 1 month. Reheat only once until piping hot throughout, then cool before serving.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 70 kcal
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbs
- 12 g
- Fat
- 1 g
- Fibre
- 2 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does papilla de quinua for babies take?
- About 30 minutes in total: 8 minutes to prepare and 22 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 2 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
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