Baby and toddler recipes
🍏 First wheat semolina with stewed apple
Smooth, creamy semolina cooked in milk and topped with soft stewed apple, a gentle first taste of wheat. Semolina is made from durum wheat, so it is a simple way to introduce gluten early.
Makes 2 baby portions
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Semolina
- 120ml Cow's milk (whole milk, or use breast milk or formula)
- 1 eating apple Apple (peeled, cored and diced)
- a pinch Cinnamon
Method
- Simmer the apple with a splash of water and cinnamon for 6 to 8 minutes until soft, then mash.
- Warm the milk in a small pan, then sprinkle in the semolina while whisking.
- Cook gently, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes until thick and smooth.
- Cool to warm and top with the apple.
Serving it to your baby
Offer a new allergen on its own, earlier in the day when baby is well, so you can watch for any reaction over the next couple of hours. Wheat and gluten can be introduced from around 6 months. Once tolerated, keep wheat foods such as pasta, bread and wheat biscuits regularly in baby's diet.
For the rest of the family
Make a larger pan and serve adults with a spoon of jam or a sprinkle of nutmeg and brown sugar.
Storing and reheating
Semolina is best eaten fresh, as it thickens on standing. Stewed apple keeps in the fridge for 2 days or freezes in cubes for up to 3 months.
Weaning with OBubba
Plan meals and log what your baby loved.
OBubba keeps a record of every food your baby has tried and spots the allergens for you, so you always know what is next. Free to download.
Questions parents ask
When can babies have gluten?
Foods containing gluten, such as wheat, barley and rye, can be introduced from around 6 months, one at a time, the same way as other allergens.
Is semolina good for babies?
Yes. It cooks to a smooth texture babies find easy, and when made with milk it adds energy, protein and calcium.
OBubba gives general information based on UK guidance. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Every baby is different. If your baby has a known allergy, severe eczema or a medical condition, speak to your doctor or health visitor before starting solids. Learn baby first aid, and in an emergency call your local emergency number (999 in the UK).