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Showing posts with label Green Beans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Green Beans. Show all posts

Monday, 26 April 2021

Kiwi, Green Beans, Peas, Strawberry and Blueberry Puree


Kiwi looks so exotic and decorative right? With a green, sweet and tangy flesh and small black seeds, kiwi looks perfect to put on tarts and make fruit skewers. It is interesting to know that you don’t have to peel the skin if you don’t want to, or if you don’t mind chewing through it. 


Before adding any fruit in a baby food I always make sure it is ripe. One easy way to tell is by gently squeezing a Kiwi. A ripe Kiwi will give when squeezed without making a dent by your finger.


I also always peel Kiwi before adding in baby food. I use my vegetable peeler for that. To peel Kiwi, simply cut both the ends with a sharp serrated knife. Then using a sharp peeler, run it down and around the fruit without pushing too hard. Kiwis are tiny so try not to cut out any extra flesh.


It is also interesting to know that Kiwis are full of nutrients like Vitamin C, K and E, Folate and Potassium. They are loaded with antioxidants and are a good source of fiber. Their small black seeds are edible so there is no need to scoop them out.


Why vegetable and fruit combos? 
I found this a few months back that even the sweetest fruits can be a bit tart. By adding a vegetable, the natural sweetness increases in the puree while the fruits add more flavor thus making the puree more appetizing. 


Ingredients:
  • Kiwi – 1, washed, ends cut, peeled
  • Green beans – 1 cup, washed, trimmed and chopped
  • Peas – ½ cup (I used frozen)
  • Strawberry – 3-4, washed, hulled
  • Blueberry – ¼ cup (I used frozen)

Directions:
  • Cook the Green Beans and Peas either in a pot or in microwave till they are tender. Reserve the water.
  • Allow them to cool down then transfer to blender cup (Nutri bullet cup) with the Kiwi, Strawberry and Blueberry. 
  • Blend to make a smooth puree.
  • When making a berry puree, I prefer to strain it to remove any small seeds. I use a big strainer and bowl to do that. Just push the puree down the strainer with a rubber spatula and run the pulp in your blender with some water again. 
  • Serve and let your baby enjoy the goodness!
  • This puree can be kept in the fridge for up-to 2 days.

Try these Baby Food purees as well:

Saturday, 3 April 2021

Green Beans, Green Apple and Avocado Puree


While most of the baby purees use sweet apples like Gala, I think Granny Smith or Green Apples should be introduced to babies around 8 months. It helps open their taste buds to new flavors. Here I have combined the green apples with green beans to add a sweet flavor. I have also added avocado to add a creamy base to the puree. When preparing baby food, I always go for organic ingredients. Look for apples that are firm and without visible bruising. You can choose to peel the apple, I however, prefer cooking them with the beans so that it softens up. Cooking also makes the apples creamier. I then make the puree in my Nutri bullet which creates a really fine almost readymade texture. If you have a blender which may leave some apple peel in the puree, just push the puree through a fine-mesh sieve and serve.


Ingredients:
  • Green Beans – 1 cup, trimmed and chopped
  • Green Apple – 1, small (cored, peeled and cut into halves)
  • Avocado – ½, ripe

Directions:
  • Fill a medium saucepan with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Place the Green Beans and the Apple into a steamer basket over the boiling water, cover, and cook for 10 minutes or until tender. Let cool slightly. Reserve the steamer water. Alternatively, you can pressure cook with ½ cup of water (2 whistles on medium heat should be enough).
  • Transfer the Beans, Apple and Avocado to your blender cup or Nutri bullet cup and puree until smooth. Keep adding water (in which the beans and apple were cooked) 1 tablespoon at a time till you reach your desired consistency.
  • Delicious puree is ready! 
  • This puree should be consumed within 1 day.

Try these Baby Food purees as well: