At 7 months old, babies are ready to explore more textures and start joining in with family meals. This Mackerel Coconut Stew (Lodeh Ikan Kembung) is a nourishing dish rich in omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin D from mackerel, essential for brain development, bone strength, and immunity. The healthy fats from coconut milk also help with vitamin absorption and provide extra energy for growth.
Ingredients (for 1 serving, ±90–100 gr):
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40 gr mackerel (steamed, deboned, skinned, mashed)
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30 gr white rice
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5 gr baby corn (or substitute with seasonal vegetables)
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5 gr long beans (or other vegetables of choice)
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30 ml homemade coconut milk (see how to make it here)
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40–60 ml homemade chicken broth (see recipe here)
Aromatic Spices (remove before serving):
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Shallot
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Garlic
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Ginger
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Galangal
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Bay leaf
Cooking Instructions:
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Prepare the fish
Steam or boil mackerel until fully cooked, debone, remove skin, and mash. -
Sauté the aromatics
Stir-fry shallot, garlic, ginger, galangal, and bay leaf until fragrant. -
Add rice and fish
Stir into the aromatics, then pour in homemade chicken broth gradually. -
Cook the vegetables
Add chopped baby corn and long beans, simmer until soft. -
Finish with coconut milk
Stir in homemade coconut milk and simmer briefly. Do not overcook to avoid curdling. -
Remove aromatics
Discard bay leaf, ginger, and galangal before blending. -
Adjust texture
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For puree: blend or mash to desired consistency.
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For BLW: serve soft fish flakes and steamed vegetables as finger food, with broth on the side.
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Nutritional Benefits:
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Mackerel: rich in protein, omega-3, and natural Vitamin D.
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Rice: provides energy from complex carbohydrates.
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Vegetables: fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
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Homemade coconut milk: healthy fats for vitamin absorption.
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Homemade chicken broth: natural flavor booster, free from additives.
