Before we dive into the benefits and preparation of bottle gourd puree for babies, let’s take a moment to appreciate why bottle gourd, known as Lauki in India, is such a beloved vegetable in Indian households. Bottle gourd is not just tasty but also a nutritional powerhouse.
One of the key reasons people love bottle gourd is its low calorie content and high dietary fiber. This makes it a great choice for those watching their weight. But that’s not all—bottle gourd is packed with essential vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin B complex, as well as important minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. On top of that, it boasts antioxidants, which are great for boosting the immune system and combating harmful free radicals in our bodies.
Now, let’s talk about bottle gourd specifically for babies. When it comes to introducing solid foods to little ones, bottle gourd puree is often a go-to option. Why? Well, its mild taste and gentle flavor make it perfect for tiny taste buds that are just starting to explore new flavors. What’s more, bottle gourd doesn’t have a strong smell either, which can sometimes be off-putting for babies.
When can we give bottle gourd to babies / lauki for babies?
Bottle gourd for babies can be given after 6 months completion as the WHO has suggested to start all vegetables after 6 months completion.
How to Make Lauki Puree/Bottle gourd Puree for Babies?
Ingredients:
- Half of 1 medium sized Lauki
- Moong Dal – 1 tbsp
- Jeera powder – a pinch
Make this vegetable puree extra nutritious by adding our instant rice khichadi mix. Wholesome khichadi in just 5 minutes!
Wondering how to get this Moong Dal khichdi Mix? Don’t worry, we’ll send it to you! We prepare it fresh as soon as you place your order and deliver it straight to your doorstep.
Method
- To begin making bottle gourd puree for babies, give the Lauki or bottle gourd a thorough wash and peel off the skin.
2. Cut the peeled bottle gourd into small cubes, making sure they are of an appropriate size for bottle gourd puree for babies.
3. In a pressure cooker, add the bottle gourd and moong dal (washed) along with 50 ml of water.
4. Cook the mixture for 1 to 2 whistles on a medium flame, taking into consideration that it is specifically for bottle gourd puree for babies.
5. After the cooked mixture has cooled down, add jeera powder to it. This step is important when preparing bottle gourd puree for babies.
6. You can choose to either mash the cooked mixture or blend it to achieve a smooth puree consistency, whichever method you prefer when preparing bottle gourd puree for babies.
7. The nutritious lauki puree/bottle gourd puree for babies is ready to be served 🙂
While selecting the lauki for baby, select the small lauki with skin free of blemishes and black spots. Bottlegourd puree for baby has several health benefits. It helps to relieve constipation. It is also rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium and Vitamin A,C. It’s a non allergenic perfect food for babies which contains more than 90% of water and is thus very good for baby’s gut health.
Make healthy rice khichdi for babies in 5 minutes during travel!
You can make protein rich khichdi in just 5 minutes with the bottle gourd puree and my little moppet food’s dal powder or instant rice kichadi mix with moong dal. These mixes which are home made with no preservatives or additives make the recipe more nutritious and energy rich. You can add few drops of ghee in the recipe to add more nutrition & yumminess.
Bottlegourd Puree or Louki Puree for Babies
Ingredients
- Half of 1 medium sized Lauki Bottle Gourd
- 1 tbsp Moong Dal
- A pinch of Jeera Cumin powder
Instructions
- Wash and peel the Lauki.
- Cut the peeled lauki into small cubes.
- In a pressure cooker, add the lauki and moong dal with 50 ml of water.
- Cook for 1 to 2 whistles on a medium flame.
- After it cools, add jeera powder and either mash it or blend it to make a soft puree.
Make this vegetable puree more nutritious by adding our instant rice khichadi mix. Wholesome khichadi in just 5 minutes!
Wondering how to get this Moong Dal khichdi Mix? Don’t worry, we’ll send it to you! We prepare it fresh as soon as you place your order and deliver it straight to your doorstep.
Dr. Pooja Rhine says
Hi.
I follow your page for tips for my 9 month old. I wanted to ask as to can i and if yes how can i give ash gourd to my son.
Dr Hemapriya says
Hi Pooja,
Yes dear, You can add it in khichdi recipes or make sabji with moong dal for the baby.
Veenita Khupkar says
Mam can I give lauki halwa to my baby? He is 9 month old..
Dr Hemapriya says
Hi,
Lauki halwa which includes sugar and cow’s milk cannot be given for babies below 1 year. Lauki puree recipe can be given to babies above 6 months itself dear (after introducing the basic foods).
ANOOLEKHA ATRI says
Hi, I am a working mom and my daughter is 6 and half months old. I am giving my little one homemade food and want to continue giving her homemade food over Cerelac. In the mid morning, i give her any vegetable/fruit puree while in the evening she consumes Dal and Rice Soup. The soup is made of 2 spoons of powder of separately roasted Dal and Rice, cooked in boiling water for 10-15 mins. Since i reach home late around 7-7:30 in the evening. Is it good if she takes the Dal n Rice Soup around 4-4:30 in evening which is cooked early in the morning around 7.
pr says
Hi,
It’s always the best to feed the baby fresh soups. You can also check for the other alternatives like mashed vegetables or fruits or oats porridge once you come from work. That would be easy for you.
Prachi Phadke says
Hi.. please do mention in your receipe that lauki which has a bitter taste ahould not be consumed at all either by babies or by adults. Its is life threatening. Hence always taste 1 small piece of lauki before starting and receipes of lauki.
pr says
Hello Prachi,
Thank you for your suggestion and we will be making the changes in the blog as per your suggestion.
payal pradhan says
Hello
I am looking for foods for my 6 month old who has heavy constipation issues. I am trying to give him food that will ease it for him in digestion and relive constipation. Can you suggest other food items other than bottle gourd for the same.
Thank You
pr says
Hi Payal,
Kindly check on the below link for effective tips to relieve constipation. Hope this helps you.
Link – https://goo.gl/CH453f
Harini says
Is this ok to give for dinner before 7 PM?
Also I have not tried dhall in my 6months old son yet, is it ok to give it combined or shall I try lauki alone first ?
Dr Hemapriya says
Dinner around 7 or 8 is a good time and it is best to try the foods separately first and then combine and give.
venkateswari says
Should we add garlic to potato puree r simply we can will it cause gas trouble ah
Dr Hemapriya says
There is no harm adding garlic if you feel that eases digestion for the little one. But otherwise too, babies enjoy potato puree and usually digest well.
Vikranti says
Is it ok if we give to my 7 months baby.. as he is not that healthy, as in not underweight but not heakthy too.. does this will tend to loose weight.
Dr Hemapriya says
Yes you can start dear. Just ensure you give small portions and check if the baby is not allergic to new food. All foods are essential for baby growth and it will not cause the baby to lose weight. You can check the article on weigh gain foods on our site.
Suni says
Can we add salt
Dr Hemapriya says
You can try without salt and if the little one doesn’t have atall, you can add a pinch. We prefer no salt/sugar until baby is one year.
Sakina says
Which moong dal ?? Yellow or green
Dr Hemapriya says
Yellow dear.
Ruchi says
Can I give this to my five month son
Dr Hemapriya says
No Ruchi, exclusive breastfeed until 6 months please.
Geetha says
Hi mam,
Can we give this puree to 7 months baby?
Dr Hemapriya says
Yes you can. Start with small portions.
Viral says
Which moong dal to use for this receip?yellow or green
Dr Hemapriya says
Yellow dal dear