Pumpkin and rice (Stage 3 - Consistency):

You will want to make this pumpkin recipe for your older babies who are starting to eat thicker/chunkier consistencies.  I make this recipe with brown rice.  However, you can feel free to replace that with white rice if you choose.  I try to choose brown rice for my little guy whenever possible because of the added nutritional benefits, plus in my opinion it is just more flavorful.  Having said that, if we are having white rice with dinner or leftover from the previous night the baby will have that with his meal.

 

What you need:

Cooked brown rice (as noted substitute white rice if you wish)

Fresh Pumpkin (peeled and chopped)

Water (or homemade chicken stock)

Nutmeg (optional)

Cinnamon (optional)

 

What to do:

Place the pieces of pumpkin in a saucepan and cover with the water or chicken stock

Let it simmer for about 20 minutes before adding the rice

Continue to cook for 5 - 10 minutes, since the rice is already cooked this is just heating it through.  If additional liquid is needed as it cooks add a small amount of additional water or chicken stock

 

 - If your baby is eating food with some consistency to it you should be fine to serve as is. 

 - If you need a more uniform texture for your baby you will want to puree slightly adding water as needed.

 

If you have introduced spices/seasonings to your little one and you wish to add one or both of the optional ingredients above you can add a dash of one or both to the saucepan as it is simmering.

 

**Mommy Tip**

This is a great side dish to offer to your older children as well.  In the baby version I would include more pumpkin than rice to make it easier for the baby to eat.  In the version for an older child I would re-heat the rice separatly and then add a bit of the pumpkin for a fun holiday twist on your typical rice side dish.