Mielie meal is one of the best starter porridges you can give your baby. The very smooth texture makes it easy to swallow, and its bland taste is readily accepted and well tolerated by most babies. As a hypoallergenic food it will not cause any allergic reactions, provided nothing extra, for example butter or milk, is added during cooking. Mielie meal is a source of starch, providing the much-needed energy required for your growing baby. South African mielie meal is fortified with valuable micronutrients: 1) Iron – helps prevents iron deficiency anaemia. 2) Vitamin A – helps maintain the health of eyes, mouth, gut and lungs as well as fighting infections. 3) B vitamins – help to regulate metabolism and release energy. Cooking Mielie Meal in a Wonderbag means that a less harsh form of heat is needed as the porridge is steamed as opposed to boiled. This can be nutrient protective. Being able to slow cook the mielie meal unattended will also save time and avoid the need to rely on processed, commercially prepared baby cereals.

Prep Time: 5 mins
Stove Top Time: 2 hours
Wonderbag Time:  2 hours
Serves: 10 portions
Age: From 6 months

Ingredients:
½ cup    Maize meal
3 cups    Water

Method:
Place water and maize meal in a 20cm diameter stainless steel pot on the stove top.
Bring maize meal and water to the boil on stove top stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Allow to boil at a medium heat for 15 minutes with the lid off.
Reduce the heat, cover the pot and allow to simmer at a low heat until cooked through. This should take up to two hours. Be sure to stir regularly to avoid the porridge sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Alternatively after the porridge has boiled on the stove top for 15 minutes, place it in your Wonderbag for 2 hours until cooked through. Allow to cool. The porridge can be served immediately

To Serve:
The porridge must be room temperature or luke warm.

Tip:
Leftover porridge can be stored in the fridge in an air tight container for up to 5 days.

Recipe credit:
Kerryn Gibson, Dietitian Durban (Kerryn is a registered dietitian in private practice in Durban and Ballito working as a paediatric dietitian and a sports dietitian).

Photo Credit: Nic Ferreira

Wonderbag Link: http://www.wonderbag.co.za/Recipes/ViewRecipe/225