Fine cornmeal makes a soft, savoury evening polenta when simmered with enough water. This is the same basic preparation as Nibli's plain baby polenta porridge, presented for a different mealtime.
Check the cornmeal packaging for its required water ratio and cooking time: instant and traditional polenta can differ considerably.
Bring water to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in the cornmeal while whisking to prevent lumps, then cook over low heat, stirring and adding more safe water as needed, until the grains are completely tender and hydrated.
Remove from heat. Mash or blend any remaining lumps and loosen with water until moist and spoonable. Cool before offering.
Offer fully cooked, moist polenta on a spoon. Avoid firm, dry or grainy clumps; adapt thickness to your baby's current feeding skills. This grain-only dish is not a complete meal on its own.
Serve smooth and moist with fully softened cornmeal.
Offer a thicker but fully cooked, soft spoonable porridge.
Plain cornmeal does not intentionally contain a major allergen; check the product's label for wheat, milk or other added ingredients and cross-contact.
Cool untouched cooked polenta promptly and refrigerate covered. Use within 2 days. Reheat once until steaming hot throughout, adding safe water if it has become firm; stir and cool before feeding. Discard leftovers from baby's bowl.
Cool untouched cooked polenta promptly and refrigerate covered. Use within 2 days. Reheat once until steaming hot throughout, adding safe water if it has become firm; stir and cool before feeding. Discard leftovers from baby's bowl.
This guide is informed by current guidelines from leading health organizations:
