Baby and toddler recipes
🍚 Mild chicken and ginger rice congee for baby
A soft, comforting rice porridge with chicken and ginger, the kind of gentle congee enjoyed across East Asia. Baby can share the plain base before adults add toppings.
Makes family of 4 plus baby
Ingredients
- 100g Jasmine rice (rinsed)
- 200g Chicken thigh (boneless and skinless)
- 3 slices Ginger (fresh, removed before serving)
- 1 Spring onion (finely chopped, for adults or well cooked for baby)
- 1.2 litres water
Method
- Put the rice, chicken, ginger and water in a pan and bring to the boil.
- Simmer gently, stirring now and then, for 50 to 60 minutes until the rice has broken down into a thick porridge.
- Lift out the chicken and shred finely, discarding the ginger slices.
- Stir chicken back in and take baby's portion.
- Blend baby's portion smooth for first tastes.
Serving it to your baby
At 6 months blend until smooth. From 7 to 8 months, serve with finely shredded chicken. From 9 months, let baby practise with a spoon.
For the rest of the family
Top adult bowls with soy sauce, sesame oil, chilli and spring onion.
Storing and reheating
Cool quickly, then fridge for up to 1 day or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat until steaming hot throughout, stir and cool. Never reheat more than once.
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
Can babies have soy sauce?
Soy sauce is very high in salt, so leave it out of baby's bowl and let adults add it at the table. If you want a little flavour for an older toddler, a few drops of a reduced-salt version is plenty.
Why is congee good for babies?
Its very soft texture is easy to swallow, so it suits first tastes, and it can be made thicker or thinner for every stage. Adding chicken boosts protein, iron and zinc.
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).