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Koova kurukku (arrowroot porridge)
6m+ · Kerala's glossy first porridge of arrowroot powder cooked with water until clear and silky
Koova, the arrowroot that grows in Kerala's backyards, is dug, washed, grated and dried into a snow-white powder that many families in Thrissur and Kottayam still make themselves. Stirred with water over a low flame, it turns from chalky to clear and glossy in a few minutes, and this kurukku is a classic first spoonful at six months, often given in the hot months because it is thought to be cooling. It is very mild and smooth. No salt, sugar, jaggery or honey goes in for babies. It is free of the major allergens. Chef's tip: buy pure koova or arrowroot powder, not a cornflour blend, and stop cooking the moment the whole pan turns translucent.
- Total time
- 10 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 1
Baby & toddler safety
- Age: from 6 months+.
- Allergens: none of the common allergens found in the ingredients. Offer one new allergen at a time, in the morning, so you can watch for a reaction.
- Texture and choking: purée or mash smoothly for 6–9 months, then soft, finger-sized pieces that squash between your fingers. Cut round foods such as grapes and cherry tomatoes into quarters lengthways, never give whole nuts, and always stay with your child while they eat.
- Under 1: no honey, no added salt or stock cubes, and no added sugar.
Every child is different. If you are unsure, especially about allergies, check with your health visitor or paediatrician.
Ingredients
- ¼ oz koova (arrowroot powder)about 1 level tbsp
- ¾ cup water
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Method
0/5 doneStep 1: Put ¼ oz koova (arrowroot powder) in a small pan and stir in 2 tbsp of the 2 tbsp water to make a smooth, lump-free paste. Common mistake: tipping the powder into hot water; it seizes into rubbery lumps that will not whisk out.
1 minStep 2: Stir in the rest of the ½ cup water and set the pan over a low heat.
1 minStep 3: Cook, stirring constantly with a spoon, for 4–6 minutes. The milky liquid will suddenly thicken and turn clear and glossy; keep stirring for 1 minute more so there is no raw, starchy taste.
6 minStep 4: Take off the heat and cool to lukewarm. It sets slightly as it cools; loosen with a spoonful of boiled water or your baby's usual milk to a soft, spoonable texture.
Step 5: This is best made fresh. If you have some left, cool it quickly, cover and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days (it does not freeze well). Reheat only once, stirring in a little water, until piping hot, then cool before serving.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 35 kcal
- Protein
- 0 g
- Carbs
- 8 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fibre
- 0 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does koova kurukku (arrowroot porridge) take?
- About 10 minutes in total: 2 minutes to prepare and 8 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 1 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
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