Mommies! Take a look at 2 SIMPLE homemade baby food recipes which are healthy and yummy. Now, introduce the goodness of bananas and beetroots to your kids meal!
Today, I bring to you 2 simple baby food recipes which are based on super healthy food items. One is a banana custard which can be started as early as the baby turns 6 months old and the second one is a beetroot puree which should not be started before the little one turns one.
Not only these are easy to make recipes but you can also tweak these recipes as per your baby’s likings and preferences. Besides, feel free to add a few other ingredients (that you fancy) for self-consumption 😉
1. Banana Custard Recipe
When to introduce bananas to your baby: 6 months onwards
Health benefits: Banana has some essential nutrients, e.g. natural sugar fructose. That’s why babies love this fruit. Banana also happens to be an excellent source of the essential electrolyte potassium, which is used by the muscles. This naturally sweet fruit also provides your baby with vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, iron and, zinc. Moreover, the fruit has a soft texture which is easy to consume and that makes this lovely fruit a top choice as an introductory fruit for infants/toddlers.
Ingredients:
- 2 egg yolks, beaten
- 1 small cup milk
- 1 small, ripe banana, mashed
Preparation:
Place the mashed banana into the bottom of a small ovenproof dish of a pre-heat oven (350 degrees/180 degree C). Stir together the beaten egg yolk and milk. Pour the mixture over the mashed banana. After 7-10 minutes, place that oven-proof dish on a baking pan and pour some hot water in that pan until it comes halfway up the sides of the oven proof dish. Bake the dish for approximately 30 minutes, until the custard has set, then cool and refrigerate.
Tip: Serve chilled on a summer day! Your baby is going to love it. If serving a kid (age 2-year-old and onwards), you can add a few whole fruits in the custard, e.g. chunks of apple, pear, banana, grape, etc.
2. Beetroot Puree Recipe
When to introduce beets to your baby: 12 months onwards
Health benefits: Contains calcium, potassium, fibre and, vitamin A. Both Vitamin A and Calcium play a large role in the growth and development of your kids health.
Ingredients:
- 2 whole beets
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
Wash the beets properly and peel them (be sure to cut off the tops). Wash them once again and then cut the beets into small chunks. Place chunks into a steamer pan with just enough water visible through the steamer basket or simply boil them (just as you boil potatoes). When they are tender, grind them in the grinder to make a thick puree. I find a food processor the best to make a really nice textured beet puree. You might want to add some water to achieve a smooth consistency. Now, heat a bit of olive oil (just a few drops will do) on the pan and add the thick puree. Sprinkle some salt and pepper for taste.
Tip: You can also add a few chunks of cottage cheese/ carrots/ peas/ fruits such as pineapple and serve it to your toddler or enjoy a hearty salad yourself. 
Great ideas! G-uno