Beetroot Puree for Baby: A Healthy, Colorful First Food
Introduce your little one to the vibrant and nutritious world of beetroot with this simple and delicious beetroot puree recipe. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, this puree is a perfect first food for babies starting solids!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–30 minutes
Total Time: 30–40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 medium beetroot
- 1 medium potato or carrot (optional, for a milder flavor)
- 50 ml breast milk, formula, or water (for thinning)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Thoroughly wash and peel the beetroot and potato/carrot.
- Cut them into small chunks for faster cooking.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
- Place the beetroot and potato/carrot pieces in a pot and cover them with water.
- Cook over medium heat for 20–30 minutes or until the vegetables are soft. Beetroot might take slightly longer, so check with a fork for tenderness.
3. Blend into Puree:
- Drain the cooked vegetables (save the cooking water).
- Blend them using a food processor or hand blender until smooth. Add breast milk, formula, or cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
4. Cool and Serve:
- Let the puree cool to room temperature.
- Start with 1–2 teaspoons and gradually increase the serving size as your baby gets used to the new flavor.
Helpful Tips:
For a naturally sweeter flavor, mix in some steamed apple or sweet potato with the beetroot puree.
Freeze the puree in ice cube trays for convenient, portioned meals.
How Often to Serve:
Start with beetroot puree once or twice a week. As your baby gets accustomed to it, you can gradually increase the frequency to 2–3 times a week.
Important Notes:
Beetroot can cause pink or reddish stools in your baby, which is completely normal.
Due to beetroot’s high nitrate content, avoid over-serving in the early stages. Start with small amounts and monitor for any reactions.
