Sunshine Squash & Pear Sweetness
A naturally sweet and vitamin-packed purée combining the creamy texture of butternut squash with the juicy sweetness of pear. Perfect for introducing new flavors and textures to your little one.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butternut squash, peeled and diced (or 1 cup cooked frozen squash)
- 1 ripe pear, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup water (as needed)
Instructions
Prepare the butternut squash: If using fresh butternut squash, peel and dice it into small, even pieces. This ensures even cooking.
Steam or boil the squash: Place the diced squash in a steamer basket over boiling water, or in a pot with just enough water to cover it. Cover the pot or steamer.
Cook the squash until tender: Steam or boil the squash for about 10 minutes, or until it is fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce it with a fork.
Add the pear: Add the diced pear to the squash during the last 2 minutes of cooking. This softens the pear slightly while preserving its nutrients.
Check pear tenderness: The pear should be soft but not mushy. If using very ripe pear, it may only need a minute or less.
Drain the cooked vegetables: If you boiled the squash and pear, drain the water, reserving a few tablespoons of the cooking liquid.
Transfer to a blender: Carefully transfer the cooked squash and pear to a blender or food processor.
Blend until smooth: Begin blending the mixture on low speed, gradually increasing to high. Add a tablespoon or two of the reserved cooking liquid (or fresh water) at a time to achieve a smooth, lump-free purée.
Adjust consistency: Continue blending until the purée reaches your desired consistency. Add more water if needed to make it thinner.
Check for temperature: Ensure the purée is not too hot before serving to your baby. Let it cool slightly.
Serve and enjoy: Serve a portion of the purée to your baby. The natural sweetness of the squash and pear should be appealing.
Store leftovers: Refrigerate any leftover purée in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freeze for later: For longer storage, freeze the purée in ice cube trays or small freezer-safe containers. Thaw completely before serving.
Safety Notes
- Adult supervision required during all steps.
- Ensure the purée is completely smooth to avoid choking hazards.
- Check the temperature of the purée before feeding to avoid burns.
- Introduce new foods one at a time to monitor for any allergic reactions.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 45 kcal per serving
Protein: 1g
Carbs: 10g
Fat: 0g