Getting toddlers to eat their veggies can be HARD! When my son first started eating solids, he was all about the vegetables… until he realized how much he loves his fruits. I was becoming more and more frustrated as I would prepare a vegetable for him, only to have it thrown on the floor. The only way I can get him to eat some veggies is if I sneak it into foods I know he loves. That’s how this apple broccoli puree was created!
This puree is great for babies who are beginning stage 2 foods. I recommend only feeding this to your child once they have tried apple and broccoli each separately first.
Begin by washing and peeling the skin off the apples. Any type of apple would work, but I do prefer to use fuji apples (or whatever type is on sale that week ha!)
Core and dice the apples. After apples are diced put them into a medium sized pot with 1/2 cup of water. If using cinnamon go ahead and add that in as well. Cover the pot and bring ingredients to a simmer. Continue simmering for 15-20 minutes, or until apples are soft. Set aside to cool.
While the apples are cooling, prepare the broccoli. I like to use a bag of frozen broccoli since it’s already cut and prepared for me, but a cut up head of fresh broccoli would work just as well. For this recipe the broccoli will need to be steamed. My favorite way to do this is by using an instant pot, but it can also be boiled or steamed on the stovetop. It’s all a matter of personal preference!
If using an instant pot, add 1 cup of water into the instant pot insert. Then place the steamer basket into the insert. Add the frozen broccoli florets into the steamer basket.
Close the instant pot lid and press the manual button. Set the timer for 1 minute. Once the instant pot signals the cooking time is complete, click the cancel button and turn the valve to “venting”. This will allow it to do a quick release of pressure. When the instant pot has released all the pressure and the float valve lowers, open the lid and let broccoli cool.
After both apples and broccoli have cooled, combine ingredients in a mixing bowl. Make sure to add all the liquid from the cooked apples as well!
Blend the broccoli and apple mixture using either a blender or a food processor. I prefer to use a ninja food blender to give it a smoother texture as my little one is picky about the textures of his food.
You can serve this to your little one as is, or you can mix the puree with a plain yogurt or oatmeal. Don’t be afraid to experiment to see how your child likes it best!
The best way to store this puree is to pour the contents into an ice cube tray and place into the freezer. Once puree is frozen take the cubes out of the tray and place them into a gallon sized bag. Whenever your child needs a snack or a quick breakfast all you have to do is grab a couple cubes, put in a bowl, and pop in the microwave for a bit! It can stay in the freezer this way for up to 6 months.
Apple Broccoli Puree
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples
- 1 cup broccoli
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Wash and peel the skin off apples.
- Core and dice apples.
- Put diced apples into a medium sized pot with about 1/2 cup of water. Add cinnamon if using. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Once the apples are soft, set aside to cool.
- While the apples are cooling add 1 cup of water into the instant pot insert.
- Put the steamer basket inside the instant pot insert. Add frozen broccoli florets into the steamer basket.
- Close the lid and press the manual button on the instant pot. Set for 1 minute.
- Once the instant pot signals the cooking time is done, click the cancel button and turn the valve to "venting" to do a quick release. When the instant pot has released all of the pressure and the float valve lowers, open the lid and let broccoli cool.
- Allow both apples and broccoli time to cool before combining the ingredients in a mixing bowl (be sure to add the liquid from the cooked apples as well).
- Blend the broccoli and apple mixture using a blender or food processor until you reach desired consistency.
- Serve!
Enjoy the victory of serving a vegetable to your child without any fuss!