How to cook rice in the Babycook

How to cook rice in the Babycook

How to Cook Rice and Starchy Foods in the Babycook®

Starting your baby on solid foods is exciting — and a little overwhelming. Starchy foods like rice and pasta are one of the first big steps. Here's everything you need to know.

Why Starchy Foods Matter

Starchy foods give your baby energy. They're made up of complex carbohydrates, which the body absorbs slowly and steadily — perfect for growing babies.

Rice is one of the best first starchy foods. Here's why parents love it:

  • It's easy to digest
  • It's naturally gluten-free
  • It helps with healthy digestion
  • It makes purees and soups thicker and smoother

Your baby can start trying starchy foods from around 7 months. As well as rice, you can offer pasta, quinoa, lentils, and cornmeal. If your baby is gluten intolerant, stick to rice, corn, lentils, or quinoa — all naturally gluten-free.

Cooking Starches in the Babycook® Is Simple

The Babycook® takes the stress out of cooking for your baby. One appliance handles everything — steaming, blending and cooking — no pots, colanders, or extra gadgets needed.

The Pasta Rice Cooker basket makes it even easier. It works for rice, pasta, lentils, semolina, and more, and it starts from just 50g — ideal for small baby portions.

The best part? You can't overcook anything. The Babycook® is programmed with the right cooking times, so you can walk away and come back to perfectly cooked food every time.

Recipe Ideas Using the Babycook®

Not sure what to make? The free Béaba & Moi app has over 150 recipes developed with nutritionist Laurence Haurat. Every recipe includes a gluten-free alternative too.

Here's one of our favourites to get you started

15-Minute Spaghetti Bolognese

Yes — a full bolognese in 15 minutes. Packed with veggies, iron, and protein, this one works for the whole family.

Makes: 4 servings Time: 15 minutes

You'll need:

  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 carrot, peeled and diced small
  • ½ capsicum, diced small
  • 300g beef mince
  • 1 tbsp tomato purée
  • 150ml passata
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 150g spaghetti (use gluten-free if needed)
  • Optional: fresh basil and parmesan to serve

How to make it:

  1. Add the pasta to the Pasta/Rice Cooker basket. Fill the water reservoir to level 3 and add 120ml of water directly to the basket. Steam cook, then set the cooked pasta aside.
  2. Place the onion, carrot, capsicum, mince, tomato purée, passata, thyme, and basil into the steam basket.
  3. Fill the reservoir to level 3 and steam for 15 minutes.
  4. Once cooked, tip the contents into the blending bowl. Keep the cooking liquid — it's full of flavour.
  5. Blend to your baby's preferred texture.
  6. Serve over the spaghetti. Top with fresh basil and a little parmesan if you like.

Storage: Keep in the fridge for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Why it's good for your baby: Carrots are rich in vitamin C and support healthy eyesight. Basil provides vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium.

Need more recipe inspiration? Download the free Béaba & Moi app for 150+ baby recipes, with options for every age and dietary need