Easy Organic Baby Food Recipes
The nourishment you give to your little one is one of the most important factors that in his development, as well as general health and well-being. Although you may just instinctively run to the store for baby food, choosing to make your own organic baby food can actually be a healthier and more economic option.
Organic food is not necessarily more nutritious than non-organic food, but it is free of pesticides, chemicals and other byproducts of large commercial farms. So if you want to offer your child a safe alternative to traditional baby food, the following recipes can get you started:
Apple Pumpkin Puree
In the spirit of the season, make a delicious and organic pumpkin baby food dish that your little bundle is sure to love. This dish is loaded with vitamins and nutrients, including potassium, vitamin A and beta carotene.
Ingredients:
1 sugar pumpkin
3 peeled and cored apples
Cinnamon, nutmeg (optional)
Filtered water
Directions:
Cut the sugar pumpkin in half, remove seeds and then cut into cubes. Slice and peel the apples. Fill a medium-sized pot with 3 inches of filtered water, to ensure the flavor of your organic ingredients isn’t tainted by chlorine or other additives in tap water. Place a steamer basket inside the pot and add the apples and pumpkin cubes. Bring the water to a boil and steam the mixture until everything is fully cooked and softened. Let the mixture cool and then puree or mash before feeding to your baby.
Creamed Peas and Nuggets
Just one cup of peas contains more protein than a full tablespoon of peanut butter and is jam packed with calcium, iron and vitamins A and C. Although you can simply steam and mash any amount of peas for a basic baby food, the following recipe for creamed peas and nuggets adds a little more flavor and nutritious value to your baby’s meal.
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh peas
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon flour
Pieces of chicken, pork, fish or beef
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Leave this base over medium heat for 1 minute. Slowly stir in milk, whisking frequently to prevent clumps. Season with salt, pepper and other spices as you see fit. Cook until sauce starts to thicken. Stir in the peas and cook for 5-7 minutes or until they are heated through. Mix in the meat and serve warm alone or over whole grain toast or rice. Because of the dairy products in this recipe, you’ll want to wait until your little one is 8 months old before serving it.
These two simple recipes prove how easy it is to make your own healthy baby food, which can significantly enhance your little one’s health and development and reduce your grocery bill. Feel free to experiment with other types of fruits and veggies as you try new recipes. When you make your own organic baby food, you won’t have to worry about the ill effects of chemicals or mysterious ingredients.