Nourishing Pumpkin & Barley Baby Porridge Recipe
This gentle, warming porridge combines the natural sweetness of roasted pumpkin with tender pearl barley for a beautifully smooth baby food that's both nutritious and delicious. The caramelised edges of the pumpkin add depth whilst the barley provides wonderful creaminess. Learn how to make this quick and easy recipe that's perfect for weaning babies!
Ingredients
- For the porridge:
- 200g pumpkin, butternut squash works beautifully too - peeled, deseeded and cut into 2cm cubes
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 30g pearl barley, rinsed thoroughly under cold water
- 240ml filtered water, plus extra for thinning if needed
- 120ml full-fat milk, or breast milk/formula for younger babies
- Optional for serving:
- Pinch of ground cinnamon (for babies over 8 months)
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter, for babies over 6 months
Directions
Step 1
Heat your oven to 200°C/400°F and line a small baking tray with parchment paper. Toss the pumpkin cubes with the olive oil until they're beautifully coated, then spread them out in a single layer on the tray, making sure they're not touching so they roast rather than steam. Pop them in the oven for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until they're tender when pierced with a fork and have gorgeous golden, slightly caramelised edges. This roasting process is crucial for developing that natural sweetness that babies absolutely love, and it brings out flavours that steaming simply can't achieve.
Step 2
Whilst the pumpkin is roasting away, place the rinsed pearl barley in a small heavy-bottomed saucepan with the 240ml filtered water. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce to a low simmer, cover with a lid, and let it cook for 25-30 minutes until the barley is beautifully tender and has absorbed most of the water. Don't rush this step as the barley needs time to soften completely for your little one, and you want each grain to be tender enough to mash easily. Check occasionally and add a splash more water if it's looking dry before the barley is fully cooked.
Step 3
Once both the pumpkin and barley are cooked, transfer them to a blender or food processor whilst they're still warm. This is where the magic happens, so don't be shy about blending thoroughly. Add the milk and blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes until you achieve a completely smooth, silky consistency with no lumps whatsoever. The warmth of the ingredients helps create that beautiful creamy texture that's perfect for babies.
Step 4
Check the consistency carefully, as this is crucial for your baby's stage of weaning. For younger babies (6-8 months), you want a smooth, runny consistency similar to single cream, so add extra filtered water 1 tablespoon at a time if needed. For older babies (9+ months) who are progressing with textures, you can leave it slightly thicker, like the consistency of double cream. Always test the temperature on the inside of your wrist before serving, aiming for lukewarm rather than hot. If your baby is over 8 months and enjoys spices, stir through a tiny pinch of cinnamon and a small knob of butter for extra richness and flavour.
Nutrition per serving
Sunnah
Learn simple practices and etiquettes found in the tradition that transform every meal into an act of worship, increase you in beneficial knowledge and add barakah into every bite.
Sacred Guidance
Butter
The Prophet ﷺ liked butter and dates.
Milk
When given milk to drink he called for water to rinse out his mouth. Then he said: 'Indeed it has fat.'
Barley
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ would spend many consecutive nights and his family did not have supper, and most of the time their bread was barley bread.
Pumpkin
I saw the Prophet ﷺ going after the pumpkin round the dish, so I have always liked pumpkin since that day.
Olives
Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth... lit from the oil of a blessed tree, an olive, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light.
Olive Oil
Eat olive oil and use it on your hair and skin, for it comes from a blessed tree.
Water
Gabriel washed my heart with Zamzam water in a golden basin.
Prophetic Etiquette
Sit down to eat, rather than eating while standing or walking.
Eat from what is nearest to you on the plate, and do not reach across for food that is distant.
Take small morsels of food, and chew your food well.
Do not blow on hot food or drinks; allow them to cool naturally.
Do not eat or drink from gold or silver utensils.
Lick your fingers clean before wiping them, as there may be barakah in what remains on them. Then wash your hands.
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