Mild Broccoli, Potato, and Chicken Purée for Starting Solids

This mild purée combines soft vegetables with lean chicken, making it a wonderful choice for your child's early experiences with solid foods. The smooth texture makes swallowing easy and gently introduces new, pleasant flavors. At the same time, this combination provides valuable nutrients that support growth during this exciting developmental phase.

Ingredients

• 100 g potatoes (waxy or all-purpose)
• 100 g broccoli (fresh or frozen)
• 50 g lean chicken breast
• 2 tbsp apple juice (100% fruit, unsweetened)
• 1 tbsp refined canola oil (or specific baby oil)
• A little water for boiling

Preparation

1. Peel, wash, and cut the potatoes into small cubes.
2. Wash the broccoli and separate it into small florets. Rinse the chicken breast, pat dry, and cut it into small pieces.
3. Place the potatoes and chicken in a small pot with a little water, bring to a boil, and let simmer gently over medium heat for about 10 minutes.
4. Add the broccoli florets and cook everything for another 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables and meat are completely soft and fully cooked through.
5. Drain the cooking water and save it in a small bowl.
6. Add the apple juice and canola oil to the vegetable and meat mixture, then blend everything with an immersion blender into a very smooth purée. Add some of the reserved cooking water as needed until you reach a creamy consistency.
7. Allow the purée to cool to eating temperature. Always test it on your lip or the back of your hand before feeding to ensure it is not too hot.

Variations and Practical Tips

• Instead of broccoli, you can use mild carrots or zucchini to introduce new flavors.
• Stored in an airtight container, the purée will keep in the fridge for up to two days.
• You can easily freeze the purée in small portions, for example in ice cube trays. This way, you always have the right amount ready for those first spoonfuls.
• As your child gets older and manages textures better, you can blend it less and simply mash the ingredients with a fork.

Allergy and Safety Information

• When starting out, introduce new foods one at a time and in small amounts to see how your child reacts. Many parents follow the three-day rule for new ingredients.
• Always ensure that the chicken is fully cooked through before blending.
• At this age, breast milk or formula remains the main source of nutrition, and solid foods are just for gradual introduction.
• If you have any concerns about starting solids or potential allergies, please consult your pediatrician.

Why This Recipe is So Nutritious

Thanks to the lean chicken, this dish provides important iron, which is valuable for blood formation and cognitive development. The vitamin C from the apple juice helps the body optimally absorb the iron from the meat and vegetables. The canola oil contributes essential fatty acids and supports the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins from the broccoli.