Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse the broccoli under cool running water. Cut into 1-inch florets. Peel any stems you use and cut them into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a pot.
- Place the broccoli in a steamer basket over the water. Cover and steam for 8 to 10 minutes (6 to 8 minutes for frozen), until a fork slides through the stems with no resistance.
- Lift out the basket and reserve the steaming water.
- Blend the broccoli with 1/4 cup (60 ml) liquid for 45 to 60 seconds, scraping down the sides once.
- Add more liquid, 1 tablespoon at a time, until smooth and the right consistency for your baby.
- For first tastes, press through a fine-mesh strainer if any specks remain.
- Cool a portion to lukewarm in a separate bowl, stir, and test the temperature before serving.
Notes
Safety: Cook broccoli until very soft, not crisp-tender. Never serve raw broccoli to babies. Do not add salt, butter, cheese, or seasoning blends. Discard any puree left in your baby's bowl after a meal.
No steamer: Simmer covered in 1 cup (240 ml) water for 8 to 10 minutes and blend with the cooking water.
Texture: Around 6 months, blend thin with 1/2 cup liquid. About 7 to 8 months, blend thicker with 1/4 cup. About 8 to 10 months, mash with a fork for soft bits.
Storage: Refrigerate in a covered container within 2 hours of cooking and use within 3 days. Freeze in a covered ice cube tray, then transfer to a labeled freezer bag; use within 3 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat until steaming hot (165°F/74°C), stir, and cool to lukewarm before serving. Freeze the puree made with water only; add breast milk or formula at serving time.
Allergens: The base recipe contains none of the nine major US food allergens. Infant formula used for thinning may contain milk or soy.