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Broccoli Puree is a great first food for babies. However, with a little bit of butter, salt and lemon it can also be a delicious and nutritious family side dish.
Green vegetables are usually bitter and harder to like, for this reason, broccoli was one of the first foods I offered both my children. The aim was to expose them to new flavours that contrasted greatly with the sweet milk they were used too.
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Choosing and Storing Broccoli
When buying a broccoli look for one
- with tight, green florets
- that has a firm stalk
- that feels heavy for its size
- where the cut end of the stalk is fresh and moist looking.
Avoid broccoli with dried out or browning stems or yellowing florets.
Store the broccoli, unwashed, in the refrigerator.
Step By Step Instructions
The nutrients in broccoli are water-soluble and can leach into the water during cooking. For this reason, it is best to simmer the broccoli in as little water as possible.
- Prepare: Wash broccoli and cut into small florets.
- Cook: Either steam the broccoli florets (using a steamer basket) or place the florets in a pan with a small amount of boiling water (approx ½ cup). Simmer for around 6-8 minutes until tender but still bright green in colour.
- Blend: Puree until smooth adding a little of the reserved liquid (or baby milk) until desired consistency is reached.
If making as a family side dish, rather than a baby puree, when blending add butter, salt and lemon juice to taste.
Broccoli Baby Puree Combinations
Broccoli puree is excellent mixed with other vegetables, grains and proteins. Try mixing it with
- Carrot Puree
- Cauliflower Puree
- Carrot Puree
- Green Bean Puree
- Pea Puree
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potato Puree
- Pumpkin Puree
- Brown rice
- Lentils
- Beef
- Chicken Puree
- Salmon
- Pasta
Other Uses for Broccoli Puree (toddlers and beyond)
- Add frozen cubes to smoothies for a nutrition boost.
- Add to pasta sauces etc for added nutrition.
- Mix it through mashed potatoes to add flavour, colour and nutrients.
- Blend with some butter, salt and lemon juice and serve as a family side dish.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Allow to cool, place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.
- Freeze: Allow to cool, spoon the puree into ice-cube trays and freeze until solid. Once they're fully frozen, quickly pop them all out and place the frozen cubes into a freezer bag or container and return to the freezer. Thaw overnight in your refrigerator.
Other Puree Recipes
Full Recipe
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Broccoli Puree
Equipment
- blender or food processor
Ingredients
- 1 Medium Broccoli Head
Instructions
- Wash broccoli and cut into small florets.
- Add florets to approx 125ml (½ cup) of boiling water. Simmer, covered, for around 6-8 mins, until tender but still bright green in colour.
- Remove broccoli from the pan, reserving the cooking liquid. Place in a food processor or blender and puree until smooth, adding the reserved water (or baby milk) until desired consistency is reached.
Megan
Awesome, thanks. How would you recommend serving this after it has been frozen? Thaw, reheat and serve warm?
Amy
Hi Megan, yes. Microwave or heat on stove top until piping hot throughout and then allow to cool before serving.
Harley
At a point where solid food are now a problem, trying new ideas. This was great. Texture a little different. But it was tasty ( salt garlic and ever spices that were in our cabinet.
Amy
Glad you liked it, Harley. 🙂
Ethel
Can I substitute the butter what would you recommend for the broccoli purée
Amy
Hi Ethel, butter is optional if made as a side dish rather than a baby puree. You could also use olive oil.
Lindsay
I just found your site and am so thrilled as I am about to start feeding my baby solids for the first time. I saw on your butternut squash recipe that you included a freezer duration. Is it possible to add that info to your other recipes?
Amy
Hi Lindsay, I'm glad you found my site and good luck with the exciting feeding journey. I am trying to add full storage instructions to new recipes and slowly trying to update older recipes. I'd freeze for up to two months.
Zita
Hello my 6 month old just started solids and I am going to make this for him. Do you have any suggestion for what to do with the stem?
Thank you!
Amy
Hi Zita, I love to grate the stem and add to salads, pasta sauces/bakes and soups 🙂
Jenna J
Thank you for all the detailed information. Do you have a meal plan for babies? This would be useful.
Amy
Hi Jenna, no I don't sorry. Something I will be working on soon though 🙂