Introducing your baby to solid foods is an exciting milestone, and homemade blended baby food with vegetables is one of the best ways to ensure your little one is getting wholesome nutrition. Making your own baby food might seem intimidating, but it’s actually simple, cost-effective, and allows you to control exactly what goes into your baby’s meals.
Blending fresh vegetables into smooth, delicious purees not only introduces your baby to new flavors and textures, but also lays the foundation for a lifetime of healthy eating habits.
Whether you’re looking to create single-ingredient purees or adventurous veggie blends, this post will guide you through everything you need to know. From ingredient selection and prep tips to storage suggestions, we’ll cover it all.
Plus, you’ll find a variety of easy recipes perfect for babies just starting solids as well as older infants ready for new taste combinations. Let’s get blending!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Homemade goodness: You control the ingredients—no preservatives, excess salt, or added sugar.
- Cost-effective: Making baby food at home saves money compared to store-bought options.
- Customizable: Mix and match vegetables to suit your baby’s tastes and nutritional needs.
- Fresh and flavorful: Fresh-cooked veggies retain more flavor and nutrients, making meals more appealing.
- Easy to prepare: With just a few kitchen tools, you can whip up a week’s worth of healthy meals in no time.
Ingredients
Below is a table of popular vegetable combinations perfect for baby food purees. Feel free to swap, mix, or match based on what’s in season or your baby’s preferences.
Puree | Ingredients | Age |
---|---|---|
Sweet Potato & Carrot | 1 medium sweet potato, 2 carrots | 6+ months |
Pumpkin & Pea | 1 cup pumpkin, 1/2 cup peas | 6+ months |
Broccoli & Zucchini | 1 cup broccoli florets, 1 small zucchini | 7+ months |
Spinach & Potato | 2 cups spinach, 1 small potato | 7+ months |
Green Bean & Apple | 1 cup green beans, 1 small apple | 6+ months |
Carrot, Pea & Corn | 2 carrots, 1/2 cup peas, 1/2 cup corn | 8+ months |
Equipment
- Steamer basket or saucepan (for cooking vegetables)
- Blender or food processor (for pureeing)
- Knife and cutting board (for prepping veggies)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Storage containers or ice cube trays (for storing portions)
- Spatula or spoon
Instructions
- Wash and prep veggies: Thoroughly wash all vegetables. Peel and chop into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Steam or boil: Place vegetables in a steamer basket over simmering water. Steam for 8–15 minutes until very tender. Alternatively, boil in a small amount of water.
- Drain and reserve liquid: Drain vegetables, reserving some of the cooking liquid to adjust puree consistency.
- Blend until smooth: Transfer veggies to a blender or food processor. Add a small amount of reserved liquid or breast milk/formula, then blend until smooth and creamy. For stage 2 purees, pulse for a thicker texture.
- Cool and store: Allow the puree to cool. Spoon into airtight containers or ice cube trays. Label with date and ingredients.
- Serve: Thaw and reheat portions as needed. Always test temperature before serving to baby.
Tips & Variations
- Freeze in small portions: Ice cube trays make perfect single servings for babies. Once frozen, transfer cubes to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Mix and match: Try blending different veggies together, or add a fruit like apple or pear for natural sweetness.
- Introduce herbs: For babies 8+ months, try adding a pinch of fresh basil, parsley, or dill for flavor.
- Control consistency: Add more liquid for younger babies or keep it chunkier as your baby learns to chew.
- Always introduce new foods one at a time and wait 3–5 days to check for allergies before mixing ingredients.
“A homemade vegetable puree is a wonderful way to nurture your baby’s palate and health from the very first bite.”
Nutrition Facts
The nutrition content will vary depending on the vegetables used, but here is an approximate breakdown for a basic sweet potato and carrot blend (per 2-ounce serving):
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 35 |
Carbohydrates | 8g |
Protein | 1g |
Fat | 0g |
Fiber | 1.5g |
Vitamin A | 420% DV |
Vitamin C | 10% DV |
Potassium | 120mg |
Vegetable purees are naturally low in sodium and fat, and are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber to support your baby’s healthy growth.
Serving Suggestions
- Single-ingredient purees: Start with iron-rich options like sweet potato, peas, or pumpkin for first tastes.
- Mix with grains: Stir veggie purees into cooked rice cereal, oatmeal, or quinoa for extra nutrition.
- Layer flavors: Combine two or three veggie purees once your baby has tried them individually.
- Finger food stage: Use thicker purees as a dip for soft-cooked veggie sticks as your baby grows.
If you’re looking for more ways to incorporate healthy vegetables into your family’s meals, check out recipes like Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or add some veggie-packed ideas from Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.
For healthy snacking, try our Vegetable Crackers Recipe for Healthy Homemade Snacking!
Blended Baby Food with Vegetables: 6 Easy Recipes
Ready to get creative in the kitchen? Here are six delicious, nutrient-packed blended baby food recipes featuring a variety of vegetables.
Each is designed to introduce your baby to different flavors and nutrients while keeping preparation simple for busy parents!
Sweet Potato & Carrot Puree
- Ingredients: 1 medium sweet potato, 2 carrots, water or breast milk/formula
- Peel and chop sweet potato and carrots into small pieces.
- Steam or boil until very soft, about 12 minutes.
- Transfer to blender, add a few tablespoons of liquid, and blend until smooth.
Rich in beta-carotene and naturally sweet, this is a perfect first food!
Pumpkin & Pea Puree
- Ingredients: 1 cup peeled, cubed pumpkin; 1/2 cup peas; water or formula
- Steam pumpkin for 6 minutes, then add peas and steam 3 more minutes.
- Blend together with a splash of water until smooth and creamy.
Great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and plant-based protein.
Broccoli & Zucchini Puree
- Ingredients: 1 cup broccoli florets, 1 small zucchini, water or milk
- Steam broccoli and zucchini for 8–10 minutes until soft.
- Blend, adding water for a thinner consistency as needed.
This combo is gentle on tiny tummies and introduces green veggies early.
Spinach & Potato Puree
- Ingredients: 2 cups spinach, 1 small potato, water or breast milk
- Peel and chop potato; steam for 10 minutes.
- Add spinach and steam together for 2–3 more minutes.
- Blend with a little liquid until velvety.
Iron-rich spinach pairs perfectly with creamy potato for a silky texture.
Green Bean & Apple Puree
- Ingredients: 1 cup green beans, 1 small apple, water
- Trim green beans, peel and chop apple.
- Steam both for 8–10 minutes.
- Blend until smooth, thinning with water as needed.
Apple adds a touch of sweetness to green beans, making them more appealing for new eaters.
Carrot, Pea & Corn Puree
- Ingredients: 2 carrots, 1/2 cup peas, 1/2 cup corn, water
- Peel and chop carrots, steam with peas and corn for 8–10 minutes.
- Blend all together, adding a splash of water for smoother texture.
Colorful, naturally sweet, and packed with fiber and antioxidants.
Conclusion
Blended baby food with vegetables is a wonderful way to introduce your child to a variety of flavors, textures, and crucial nutrients. By preparing these purees at home, you’re giving your baby the freshest start possible, nurturing their palate, and building a strong foundation for healthy eating.
With just a few staple ingredients and simple equipment, you can create endless combinations to suit every stage of your baby’s development.
Remember, every baby is unique—so don’t be afraid to get creative and adjust the recipes to your little one’s needs. Enjoy this special time together in the kitchen, and know that every spoonful is a step toward lifelong wellness.
For more veggie inspiration for your whole family, explore recipes like Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners or try a hearty Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating. Happy blending!
📖 Recipe Card: Blended Vegetable Baby Food
Description: A smooth and nutritious blend of mixed vegetables, perfect for introducing your baby to new flavors. Easy to prepare and packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1 small sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 zucchini, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and chop all vegetables.
- Add vegetables and water to a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Drain excess water, reserving some for blending.
- Transfer cooked vegetables to a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth, adding reserved water as needed for desired consistency.
- Stir in olive oil if using.
- Allow to cool before serving or storing.
Nutrition: Calories: 45 kcal | Protein: 1.5 g | Fat: 0.7 g | Carbs: 9 g
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