Cardamom is one of the spices used to make masala chai, the popular Indian tea drink. Translated literally, masala chai means tea (chai) mixed with spices (masala). Chai is drunk several times a day in India. It is typically prepared by boiling milk, water, tea and a variety of seasonings including cinnamon, clove, cardamom and other spices (depending on the region in India).
But my baby can’t (and shouldn’t) drink tea, you say. No worries, because mine can’t either! I thought, however, it would be a great idea to take some of the chai spices and mix them into a yogurt and oatmeal combination.
Featured in: Global Cuisine for Tiny Tastebuds
Ingredients
- •Organic baby oatmeal cereal, flakes or homemade
- •Formula, breast milk or organic whole milk
- •Organic yogurt, when allowed by your pediatrician
- •1 pinch ground cinnamon
- •1 pinch ground cardamom
- •1 pinch ground or ⅛ teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Preparation
Prepare baby oatmeal according to directions. This is usually done with breast or whole milk. Alternatively, you can use a few spoons of organic whole milk yogurt mixed with formula, breast milk or a little water to reach your desired consistency.
Add one pinch each of ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, and ground ginger. I have used a tiny amount of fresh ginger root as well. Check with your baby! Stir well and serve.