Name: Christmas Spelt Porridge with Mandarin for Babies
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4

Introduction

The cold season invites us to get cozy at home. This gentle spelt porridge brings a warm, wintery mood straight to the spoon. The combination of fine grains and fruity mandarin puree is very mild and easy to digest. Many children really enjoy the slightly sweet taste of the mandarin. It is a wonderful way to introduce new, delicate flavors. At the same time, the dish provides your child with valuable nutrients for chilly days.

Ingredients

For about two to three small portions, you will need the following ingredients:

20 g whole grain spelt flakes (quick-cooking)
100 ml water, breastmilk, or infant formula
1 ripe, sweet mandarin (organic preferred)
1 tiny pinch of Ceylon cinnamon
1 tsp high-quality rapeseed oil (canola oil)

Preparation

Peel the mandarin, carefully remove the white strings, and cut out the fine fruit segments to avoid the tough skin. Mash the flesh very finely with a fork or briefly blend it into a smooth puree.
Place the whole grain spelt flakes together with the water or formula in a small pot. Bring to a quick boil while stirring constantly so nothing sticks to the bottom.
Immediately reduce the heat and let the porridge simmer gently for about two to three minutes. Keep stirring until a smooth, creamy texture forms.
Remove the pot from the stove and evenly stir in the tiny pinch of Ceylon cinnamon and the rapeseed oil. The oil helps the body absorb the nutrients.
Mix the fresh mandarin puree directly into the warm porridge or add it as a small, fruity topping. Be sure to let it cool down before feeding and test the temperature on your own lip.

Variations and Practical Tips

Alternative fruits: Instead of mandarin, a gentle pear puree or applesauce also pairs wonderfully with this wintery porridge.
Storage: The prepared porridge (if made only with water) can be kept covered in the fridge for up to two days. Freezing it in small ice cube trays is easily done, which simplifies portioning in daily life.
Adjusting the texture: For the very beginning of solid foods, you can grind the flakes into a fine flour in a blender before cooking. This makes the porridge even smoother and ensures there are no lumps.
For the family: Parents can mix the remaining mandarins with some roasted nuts, yogurt, and a spoonful of honey into their own muesli.

Allergy and Safety Information

Spelt contains gluten (an EU allergen). Always introduce new ingredients one at a time and in small amounts so you can easily observe any potential reactions. The common three-day rule offers good guidance here.
When using spices, make sure to use only mild Ceylon cinnamon. It contains significantly less coumarin than regular Cassia cinnamon and is much gentler for babies.
Never use honey for babies under twelve months, as it can contain dangerous bacteria that cause infant botulism. Whole nuts must also not be given due to the choking hazard, but only as a fine butter.
If you have any uncertainties about introducing solid foods or potential allergies, please speak with your pediatrician at any time.

Nutritional Information

Spelt provides important plant-based iron, which is very valuable for healthy growth and blood formation. The natural vitamin C from the freshly pureed mandarin helps the little body absorb this plant-based iron optimally. In addition, the gentle fiber from the spelt grain ensures well-functioning digestion and a comfortable feeling of fullness.

Introduction

Preparation

Peel the mandarin, carefully remove the white strings, and cut out the fine fruit segments to avoid the tough skin. Mash the flesh very finely with a fork or briefly blend it into a smooth puree.

Place the whole grain spelt flakes together with the water or formula in a small pot. Bring to a quick boil while stirring constantly so nothing sticks to the bottom.

Immediately reduce the heat and let the porridge simmer gently for about two to three minutes. Keep stirring until a smooth, creamy texture forms.

Remove the pot from the stove and evenly stir in the tiny pinch of Ceylon cinnamon and the rapeseed oil. The oil helps the body absorb the nutrients.

Mix the fresh mandarin puree directly into the warm porridge or add it as a small, fruity topping. Be sure to let it cool down before feeding and test the temperature on your own lip.

Variations and Practical Tips

Alternative fruits: Instead of mandarin, a gentle pear puree or applesauce also pairs wonderfully with this wintery porridge.

Storage: The prepared porridge (if made only with water) can be kept covered in the fridge for up to two days. Freezing it in small ice cube trays is easily done, which simplifies portioning in daily life.

Adjusting the texture: For the very beginning of solid foods, you can grind the flakes into a fine flour in a blender before cooking. This makes the porridge even smoother and ensures there are no lumps.

For the family: Parents can mix the remaining mandarins with some roasted nuts, yogurt, and a spoonful of honey into their own muesli.

Allergy and Safety Information

Spelt contains gluten (an EU allergen). Always introduce new ingredients one at a time and in small amounts so you can easily observe any potential reactions. The common three-day rule offers good guidance here.

When using spices, make sure to use only mild Ceylon cinnamon. It contains significantly less coumarin than regular Cassia cinnamon and is much gentler for babies.

Never use honey for babies under twelve months, as it can contain dangerous bacteria that cause infant botulism. Whole nuts must also not be given due to the choking hazard, but only as a fine butter.

If you have any uncertainties about introducing solid foods or potential allergies, please speak with your pediatrician at any time.

Nutritional Information