Veggies and Legumes Recipes (Stage 1)

Stage 1 is appropriate for babies 6-8 months, during the initiation to solid foods.

All recipes suggest the use of organic ingredients. If you can, opt for organic food, especially when your little one is growing so quickly!

For a list of non-organic vegetables and fruits with the highest and lowest load of pesticides available in the market, please click here.

• Sweet Potato (very nutritious and babies love it!!)

- 1 lb. organic sweet potato

- 3 cups of water

Wash thoroughly the sweet potatoes with a brush. Don't peel them. Cut them in pieces and boil in water.

After about 20-25 minutes poke them with a fork. When the pieces are very soft and tender, remove the pan from the stove and wait until it cools off. Don't throw the water away, it contains several minerals and vitamins. When the pieces are cold enough, peel them, get rid of the skin. Mash or blend the peeled pieces in the water you used to boil them. Using a hand mixer, or a blender will make it very smooth for the baby.

Preparation time: about 30 minutes.

Nutritional value: high in beta carotene (it is orange!), vitamin A, and potassium. Also contains calcium, folate and vitamin E.

• Cauliflower

- 1 lb. organic cauliflower

- 1 1/2 - 2 cups of water

Wash thoroughly the cauliflower with water. Cut the florets and stems in pieces and boil in water.

After about 15 minutes poke them with a fork. When the stems are very soft and tender, remove the pan from the stove. Don't throw the water away, it contains several minerals and vitamins. Blend the content with a hand mixer, or a blender until it turns into a smooth paste.

Preparation time: about 25 minutes.

Nutritional value: high in vitamin C, A and Calcium.

• Carrots

- 1 lb. organic carrots

- 2 cups of water

Peel the carrots and wash them thoroughly with water and a brush. Cut the carrots in chunks and boil in water. You can also use a steamer basket.

After about 20 minutes poke them with a fork. When the carrots are soft, remove the pan from the stove. Get rid of the water, it contains nitrates* that are not suitable for babies. Blend the carrots with about 1 cup of mineral water using a hand mixer, or a blender until it turns into a smooth paste.

Preparation time: about 25 minutes.

Nutritional value: high in beta carotene, vitamins A, C and Calcium.

*Organic foods are grown without the use of commercial nitrate fertilizers, therefore the risk of nitrate concentration is minimized. By the time a baby is six months old, its digestive system is fully developed, and the amount of hydrochloric acid in a baby's stomach kills most of/or all the bacteria that convert nitrate to nitrite. In older children and adults, nitrate is absorbed and excreted.

• Squash
  

- 1 lb. organic squash (Butternut, Acorn or Winter)

- 2 cups of water

Cut the squash in half and remove all seeds. Wash it thoroughly with water and a brush. Bake it for about 50 minutes in a pan with about 1 inch of water. Set the oven to 400 degrees F. Poke the flesh with a fork. When it is soft, scoop it from the skin and blend with enough mineral water to make a smooth paste.

Preparation time: about 60 minutes.

Nutritional value: high in calcium, potassium, vitamin A, carbohydrates and fibers.

• Green Beans
  

- 1 lb. organic green beans

- 1 1/2 cups of water

Wash thoroughly the green beans with water. Boil or steam the beans for about 15-20 minutes, until tender consistency. Remove the pan from the stove. Don't throw the water away, it contains several minerals and vitamins. Blend the content with a hand mixer, or a blender until it turns into a smooth paste.

Preparation time: about 25 minutes.

Nutritional value: high in vitamin C, A, and calcium, potassium and iron.

• Sweet Peas

- 1 lb. organic peas (natural or frozen)

- 1 - 1 1/2 cups of water

Wash thoroughly the peas with water. Add the water and boil. After about 15 minutes poke them with a fork. When they are tender, remove the pan from the stove. Don't throw the water away, it contains several minerals and vitamins. Blend the content with a hand mixer, or a blender until it turns into a smooth paste.

Preparation time: about 25 minutes.

Nutritional value: high in vitamin C, A, B and calcium, potassium and phosphorus.