Broccoli Trees (First Finger Veggie)
Softly steamed broccoli florets make a perfect finger food for babies exploring new textures and flavors. These 'trees' are easy to grab and gum, offering a nutritious and fun introduction to vegetables.
Ingredients
- A few fresh broccoli florets
- Water for steaming
Instructions
Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly under cool running water.
Inspect the florets and trim any brown or damaged spots.
Cut the broccoli florets into baby-hand-sized pieces. Aim for pieces with a 1-2 inch stem 'handle' and a bushy top. Medium-sized florets are ideal to prevent choking.
Fill a pot with about 1 inch of water and bring it to a rolling boil.
Place the broccoli florets in a steamer basket that fits inside the pot, ensuring the florets are above the water level.
Carefully place the steamer basket into the pot, cover with a lid, and reduce the heat to medium.
Steam the broccoli for 6-7 minutes, or until very tender. Test for doneness by gently pressing a floret with your finger; it should mash easily.
Alternatively, test with a fork. It should slide easily into the stem. Overcooking slightly is preferable to undercooking for baby's safety.
Carefully remove the steamer basket from the pot.
Let the broccoli cool until just warm to the touch. You can rinse them briefly under cool water to stop the cooking process and speed up cooling.
Shake off any excess water from the cooled broccoli florets.
Place 2-3 broccoli florets on the baby's highchair tray or a clean surface.
Demonstrate how to pick up a floret and bring it to your mouth (if the baby needs encouragement).
Supervise the baby closely while they explore and eat the broccoli. Ensure they are seated upright.
Be prepared for some mess! The baby may gum and chew off the soft tops, possibly spitting out pieces. This is normal.
Safety Notes
- Adult supervision required at all times during feeding.
- Ensure broccoli is steamed until very soft to minimize choking risk.
- Cut broccoli into appropriate baby-hand-sized pieces.
- Always ensure the baby is seated upright while eating.
- Introduce new foods one at a time to monitor for any allergic reactions or sensitivities.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 15 kcal per serving
Protein: 1g
Carbs: 2g
Fat: 0g