7-8+ MONTHS

Your little pakora is now ready to eat more solid food! At this stage he/she may have some teeth, nibble on pieces of food from hand to mouth, and may try to hold and use a spoon. How time flies—seems like yesterday you were pureeing everything!

Pakoras are now ready for finger foods and foods that have more flavor and texture. This is the perfect time to introduce some spice into their foods! At this age and beyond pakoras love to dip finger foods. Feel free to give organic veggies, naan (indian flat-bread), pita with organic yogurt, fresh organic hummus, or even dal. Give your pakora the opportunity to explore new food combinations. Remember you are setting them up for a lifetime of good nutritional habits and developing a taste for all things with spice!

RECIPES:::

Naani’s Pish-Pash (chicken based rice and veggies):::

Pish-Pash is a tried and true dish from the bygone British era in India. This recipe was made by my Naani (grandmother) for my mother, my mother made it for me, and now it’s being made by me for my little pakora. Pish-Pash is similar in texture to Kichari (lentil and rice dish) but minus the dal and cooked with chicken. This is a hearty dish that all pakoras love. For the very little pakoras (7 months or younger) puree the Pish-Pash in an electric food mill. Enjoy with organic plain yogurt on the side or mixed in to taste!

What you need:::

• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 1 bay leaf
• 2-3 tbsp organic olive oil
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 cloves
• ½ pound organic boneless chicken breast – cut into small pieces
• 1 cup Basmati rice (can use any type of rice)
• 1 cup organic veggies of choice (baby carrots, cauliflower, zucchini, and/or broccoli) chopped
• 3 cups of water

Tip::: preparing items ahead of time and setting aside (i.e. chopping veggies, measuring ingredients into bowls) will make things easier.

Lets get started!

1. Put aside cloves, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and cumin in separate bowl.
2. Chop veggies and set aside.
3. Chop chicken breast into small pieces, set aside.
4. Heat olive oil in medium pot on medium/high heat and add spice mixture, roast spice mixture for about 3 minutes.
5. Add rice and roast for about 3-5 minutes. Do not allow rice to stick on bottom – IF rice begins to stick immediately add water, stir and bring to a boil.
6. Add water and mix.
7. Add veggies, chicken, and mix.
8. Cover and let cook for about 15-20 minutes on low-medium heat.
9. Reduce heat to very low and cover tightly for 10 minutes.
10. Uncover, stir, and remove whole spices.
11. Enjoy the aromatic Pish-Pash!

Serves: 2-3 pakora mommies & daddies (little pakoras included)

Another Tip::: Freeze Pish Pash into individual servings in Ziplock bags or Tupperware for latter use. Remember when ready to serve remove from plastic storage and heat in glassware.

Benefits::: aids in digestion, supplies iron and protein. When carrots and broccoli are added, you get vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, and carotenes.

Delectable Dal: Lentil Soup

Dal is a staple in any South Asian diet. It makes a great meal for anytime of the day. All pakoras big and small love dal mixed with rice and yogurt, eaten with pieces of pita or even poured on top of an organic sweet potato.

What you need::

• 1 cup organic yellow or red lentils
• 4 cups water
• 1 tsp tumeric
• 1/2 tsp cumin seed
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp fresh organic garlic
• 3/4 organic tomato
• 1/2 organic onion
• 2.5 Tsps Organic Olive Oil

Tip::: As with all our recipes adding veggies gives you another layer of nutrition. Add 1 organic carrot finely chopped and 1/2 pound of chopped organic spinach while the lentils are cooking. Continue with steps 5-7. For tiny pakoras puree the lentils and mix with rice.

1. Wash Lentils
2. Add lentil to 3 quart pot with 4 cups water.
3. Add tumeric
4. Cook on medium to high heat for 15 minutes and then cover for another 15 minutes
5. In a seperate pot add oil and heat. Fry the onion until brown and add cumin, coriander. Roast spices for about 3 minutes and add tomato. Cook tomato in spice mixture until brown and soft.
6. Add cooked onions and tomato to lentils and stir evenly.
7. Eat with triangles of pita for dipping and a side of organic yogurt. Enjoy!

benefits::: tumeric has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, lentils are loaded with protein, iron, and vitamin B. Any of the veggies used will be full of vitamins and minerals.