Baby and toddler recipes

🌾 Millet koko with ginger and banana

A smooth millet porridge inspired by West African koko, warmed with gentle ginger and sweetened with banana instead of sugar. Naturally gluten free and a good source of iron and magnesium.

From 6 monthsPrep 5 minCook 12 minFreezes wellContains: Milk

Makes 3 baby portions

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp (about 35g) Millet (ground to a flour)
  • 250ml water
  • 1 small slice fresh, or a pinch ground Ginger
  • 1 whole Cloves (removed before serving)
  • half, ripe Banana (mashed)
  • 3 tbsp Cow's milk (full fat, or formula or breast milk)

Method

  1. Grind the millet to a fine flour in a spice grinder or blender.
  2. Mix the millet flour with 4 tbsp cold water to a smooth paste.
  3. Bring the rest of the water to a simmer with the ginger and clove.
  4. Whisk the paste into the simmering water and stir constantly for 8 to 10 minutes until thick and smooth.
  5. Remove the ginger slice and the clove.
  6. Stir in the milk and mashed banana, then cool before serving.

Serving it to your baby

Serve smooth on a preloaded spoon from 6 months. From 9 months make it a little thicker so baby can scoop it with their hands or a spoon. Always fish out whole spices before serving.

For the rest of the family

Serve grown up bowls traditional style with a little sugar or evaporated milk and roasted peanuts, or with koose or bread on the side.

Storing and reheating

Cool quickly and keep covered in the fridge for up to 2 days, or freeze in small pots for up to 1 month. Reheat until steaming all the way through, stir well, then cool before serving. Never reheat more than once.

How to introduce milk

Weaning with OBubba

Plan meals and log what your baby loved.

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Questions parents ask

Is millet good for babies?

Yes. Millet is a gentle, gluten free grain with iron, magnesium and B vitamins, and it cooks to a smooth porridge that babies find easy to eat.

Is ginger too strong for babies?

A small slice of fresh ginger or a pinch of ground ginger gives a warm, mild flavour that most babies enjoy. Avoid hot chilli spices.

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).