Creative Broccoli Puree Combinations with Vegetables for Babies – Part 1

By Erika Barabás

Discover simple and nutritious broccoli puree combinations with vegetables for babies. Perfect for 6+ months, these recipes are packed with essential nutrients to support your baby’s growth.

Broccoli is an excellent vegetable to include in your baby’s early diet. Full of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, it’s a great choice to support your baby’s growth and development. However, because broccoli can have a slightly bitter taste, pairing it with other vegetables creates a well-rounded, flavorful, and nutritious meal. These easy broccoli combinations are designed to be baby-friendly, full of essential nutrients, and simple to prepare.

1. Broccoli and Carrot Puree

Best for: 6-8 months (Starting solids)

Carrots bring a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the earthy flavor of broccoli. This combination is rich in beta-carotene, which is essential for your baby’s vision, immune system, and healthy skin.

Ingredients:

• 1 small bunch of broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
• Water, breast milk, or formula (to adjust consistency)

Instructions:

• Prepare the Vegetables: Wash the carrot thoroughly, peel it, and cut it into small chunks. Break the broccoli into small florets.
• Cook the Vegetables: In a steamer or small pot, steam or boil the carrots and broccoli until they are soft and tender. This should take about 7-10 minutes. If boiling, ensure there’s enough water to cover the vegetables halfway.
• Blend the Puree: Once the vegetables are cooked, transfer them into a blender or food processor. Add a little water, breast milk, or formula to achieve a smooth consistency. Start with a small amount of liquid and add more if needed.
• Cool and Serve: Allow the puree to cool to room temperature before serving to your baby.

2. Broccoli and Sweet Potato Puree

Best for: 6-8 months (Starting solids)

Sweet potatoes have a naturally sweet and creamy texture that balances the slightly bitter taste of broccoli. This combination is rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene, and fiber, supporting your baby’s immune system, digestion, and overall health.

Ingredients:

• 1 small bunch of broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• Water, breast milk, or formula (to adjust consistency)

Instructions:

• Prepare the Sweet Potato: Wash the sweet potato, peel it, and cut it into small cubes to ensure even cooking.
• Cook the Vegetables: In a steamer basket or a pot of boiling water, steam or boil the sweet potato cubes and broccoli florets until both are tender (approximately 8-10 minutes).
• Blend to a Creamy Consistency: Once the vegetables are soft, transfer them to a blender or food processor. Add your choice of liquid (water, breast milk, or formula) and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You can adjust the consistency by adding more liquid as needed.
• Cool and Serve: Let the puree cool to a safe temperature before serving it to your baby.

3. Broccoli and Spinach Puree

Best for: 6-8 months (Starting solids)

Spinach is packed with iron, folate, and other essential nutrients that support your baby’s growth and development. When paired with broccoli, this combination offers a variety of important nutrients in one nutrient-dense meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 small bunch of broccoli, cut into florets
• 1/2 cup spinach (fresh or frozen)
• Water, breast milk, or formula (to adjust consistency)

Instructions:

• Prepare the Vegetables: Wash the spinach thoroughly (if using fresh spinach). If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s thawed and drained. Break the broccoli into small florets.
• Steam the Broccoli and Spinach: Steam the broccoli florets and spinach together in a steamer basket or pot for about 6 minutes, until the broccoli is tender and the spinach has wilted. Be careful not to overcook the spinach, as it can become too watery.
• Blend the Puree: Once cooked, transfer the broccoli and spinach into a blender or food processor. Add a little liquid (water, breast milk, or formula) and blend until smooth. Adjust the liquid amount to achieve your desired consistency.
• Cool and Serve: Let the puree cool before serving it to your baby.

Fresh Tips for Making Baby-Friendly Broccoli Purees

1. Add Healthy Fats

Healthy fats like avocado or olive oil can boost the nutritional value of broccoli purees. These fats help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and support brain development.

• For example: Add 1/4 of a ripe avocado to your broccoli and carrot puree for extra creaminess and healthy fats that support your baby’s brain and skin health.

2. Mix in Whole Grains

Whole grains like quinoa or brown rice are excellent sources of fiber and nutrients. These grains can be introduced once your baby is ready for more texture.

• For example: Blend cooked quinoa with steamed broccoli for a protein-rich, fiber-packed meal.

3. Flavor with Mild Herbs

Once your baby is accustomed to a variety of vegetables (usually around 8-10 months), you can introduce mild herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme to add flavor.

• For example: Add a few fresh basil leaves to your broccoli and sweet potato puree to introduce a fresh, mild herbal flavor.

4. Experiment with Texture

As your baby develops, you can adjust the texture of their purees. For younger babies, keep purees smooth. For older babies (8-10 months), try a chunkier texture to encourage chewing.

• For example: For babies ready for chunkier textures, mash the broccoli and carrots/sweet potato with a fork for a more textured puree.

With these easy and creative combinations, you’ll have the flexibility to offer your little one both delicious and nutrient-dense meals, ensuring that mealtime is both enjoyable and beneficial for their growing body.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we explore broccoli puree combinations with fruits and proteins!

Creative Broccoli Puree Combinations with Fruits and Protein for Babies – Part 2