Beetroots are growing in popularity nowadays not only because of their eye-catching vibrant color making the dish appealing to babies and toddlers, but also due to the many nutrients and health benefits they add to our meals.
Beets are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, fiber, iron, potassium, magnesium, betalains, and proteins which are beneficial for heart health, reduce inflammation, support digestive health, and have more energy. (source: Nutrition and Metabolism Journal, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry)
Here are a handful of awesome baby food recipe ideas featuring beetroot:
Covered in this Article:
Savory Beet Puree for Babies
This mildly flavored puree will elevate any dish of the family you serve this with!
| 1 piece | beetroot |
| 1 cup | water |
| 1 teaspoon | thyme |
| 1 piece | bay leaf |
Instructions:
1. Wash and clean beets thoroughly, peel, and then grate.
2. Place grated beets, water, and herbs into a small saucepan. Cook until beets are soft.
3. Place in a blender/food processor and blend until smooth. Serve.
Notes:
- This beet puree recipe can be served as is or as a side to any protein dish like grilled salmon or chicken. Season with salt and pepper and other spices when serving to toddlers and adults.
- Beetroot allergies are rare and like most vegetables, they can be introduced to babies as early as 6 months old when they are starting to consume solid foods. (source: Clinical and Translational Allergy Journal, CDC)
Banapple Beet Mash for Babies
With the right preparation and accompaniments to beets, this recipe compliments, and masks the earthy, slightly dirt taste of beets.
| 1 piece | beetroot |
| 1 cup | water |
| 1 piece | pink lady/fuji apple |
| 1 piece | ripe banana |
Instructions:
1. Wash and clean beets thoroughly, peel, and then chop.
2. Place beets, and water into a small saucepan. Boil until beets are soft.
3. Place boiled beets, apple, and banana in a blender/food processor then blend until smooth. Serve.
Notes:
- The natural sweetness of the added fruits flavors the puree. You may also try and substitute with other sweet fruits like mangoes, watermelon, and pears for this recipe. (source: WebMD)
- Blend smoothly to serve babies, or make it chunky when serving to toddlers.
Honey & Thyme Roasted Beets for Babies and Toddlers
These roasted beets can be served on their own for baby-led weaning. It can also be served for the whole family to enjoy, as a side dish to a meal, or topping on a salad.
| 3 pieces | beets |
| 1 tablespoon | olive oil |
| 1 teaspoon | thyme |
| ½ teaspoon | salt |
| 1-2 tablespoons | honey, optional |
Instructions:
1. Wash beets thoroughly, make sure to remove all dirt from the skin, peel, and then cut into chunks.
2. Preheat the oven to 375F. On a baking sheet place beets and drizzle with olive oil, thyme, and salt. Toss to coat. Roast for 20-30 minutes until almost soft.
3. Remove from the oven then drizzle with honey and toss to coat. Place back in the oven, and continue cooking until beets are fork tender and honey has caramelized. Serve.
Notes:
- Serve as is for baby-led weaning, or place in a blender/food processor and puree beets to avoid choking hazards. (source: CDC)
- Honey and other natural sweeteners like maple syrup, agave, stevia, and date syrup can safely be introduced to babies 1-2 years and above.
Since babies have a greater preference for sweet-tasting foods and drinks, it is important to familiarize them with other flavors first before adding sweeteners to their food. When making this recipe for a younger baby, skip the sweetener. (source: Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, CDC)
Berry Beet Popsicles – For the Whole Family!
This snack idea is a perfect way to hide vegetables in babies’ snacks, and a way to cool off on a hot summer day.
| 1 piece | beets |
| 1 cup | fresh strawberries |
| 1 cup | fresh blueberries |
| 1 cup | fresh raspberries |
| 1 cup | milk or yogurt of choice |
| 2-3 tablespoons | honey, optional |
Instructions:
1. Wash beets thoroughly, peel then dice. Place beets in a saucepan and cover with water. Boil until beets are soft. Set aside.
2. Wash berries and remove the tops of the strawberries.
3. In a blender/food processor, place boiled beets, berries, milk, and honey.
4. Blend the mixture until smooth, pour into popsicle molds, insert popsicle sticks, and freeze for at least 6 hours or until set. When ready to serve thaw out for a couple of minutes at room temperature or run over warm water to loosen the popsicles from the mold.
Notes:
- Prepare as a smoothie or a drink by freezing the beets and berries before blending. Then serve as a blended mixture.
- This recipe is nutrient-packed from the beets with the addition of berries which are also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, fiber, and minerals that have a role in disease prevention. (source: Food and Function Journal)
There is no arguing that adding beets to your baby and family’s meals can improve both the dish’s appearance and nutrient content for added health benefits. (source: Food Science and Nutrition Journal) So make sure to try these simple recipes, which will surely be a hit for the whole family.
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