It's hard to believe these two words can go hand in hand, but it is possible to transform the blandest of pureed zucchini into sumptuous spoonfuls of goodness. And it's as simple as this: a little bit of oil, a few herbs and a whole lot of love.
Some of our (Indi's) current favourites (aged 4-7 months - before they are able to cope with a lot of texture):
breakfast:
Stewed apples, apricots and raisins with cinnamon and nutmeg and then all pureed together (you can add baby rice/oatmeal to thicken it for a heartier breakfast).
lunch:
put carrots and pumpkin in a roast pan with a touch of olive oil, ground cumin and garam masala and roast until soft (this by the way is delicious as a dip with crackers- just add cashews and coriander before blending)
dinner:
put carrots and baby squash in a roasting pan with olive oil and herbs de provence and roast until soft
What kinds of homemade purees do you recommend?
xo m.
9 comments:
My son really liked a pureed version of lentil soup that is standard fare in our home. So here is the recipe. For the adults and kids, add the salad and dressing (so yummy!), but for the littlest gourmand, simply puree the soup once it is cooked. It's really nice and hearty. And once textures aren't a problem, it is soft enough to be eaten without molars!
Mjeddrah, or Esau's Lentil Soup, I think it's from Frances Moore Lappe's _Diet for a Small Planet_
1.5 c. lentils, rinsed
4c. water initially, add up to 2 additional cups after rice is added to soup
4 TBSP Olive oil
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 c. brown rice
2 c. chopped veggies (I use carrots and celery, about 1 c. of each)
Bring lentils, salt, and water to a boil, reduce heat, cover partially, simmer 25 minutes.
Saute 2 TBS oil & veggies till starting to brown, set aside
Heat remaining oil, saute rice 3 minutes, or until crackling
Add veggies and rice to simmering lentils & simmer till tender, maybe an hour or so. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, etc. on the top and a lot of dressing.
*warning* this soup is notorious for burning on the bottom of the pot. It is helpful to stir up the bottom part frequently, but often I just have to deal with the fact that I have a thick layer of inedible stuff at the bottom of the pot. fun.
The dressing that comes with this recipe is: 3TBS oil, 2TBS lemon juice, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp. mustard, 1/4 tsp. honey, s+p to taste
The dressing I usually use is Canola (or similar) Oil, Olive Oil, Honey, Balsamic Vinegar, Prepared mustard, s+p. (in descending order of amounts, and I usually eyeball it.) I like this dressing on the sweet side, and I much prefer to DRENCH my lentil soup in dressing. We all need healthy fats, right?
Anyway, I've been enjoying your blog. I just discovered it last week!
Peace,
Emily
A lovely recipe mine liked: half of a banana & a spoon of tahini,mix and mash and that is it.We also subsitute grated apple with banana sometimes. Soaked and blended dried apricots are very much appreciated,too. :)
Finn used to love avocado mashed up with nutritional yeast.
Apple and rhubarb is really good. My grandma used to save some of the mix over for us as babies when she was making pies. A little bit of agave nectar will take the tarty edge off a bit.
It's not a puree, so for bubbas a little older -my nephew when he was little was for ever sucking on a gherkin. (You might call it a pickle?) You have to watch the salt there but he loved them. I think the coolness soothed his teeth and gums too.
xB
i hope that i can remember these for when my little one is big enough to eat solids. this sounds so tasty
a frozen then whipped banana... like ice cream in the summer!
tah for tips...
Thank you so much for sharing these everyone!! They sound so good that even I want some! xo m.
sounds yummy! I have really enjoyed making my own baby food. Its cheaper and healthier for Baby. Thanks for sharing!
All my boys have loved red lentil, sweet potato and carrot.
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Thank you so much for taking the time to share. I do my best to respond to questions within the comments section so tune back in for a reply. xx m.