Warm Veggie Purée

Here's a warm, gentle veggie purée that's perfect for little ones just starting their journey with solids. Packed with naturally sweet and mild vegetables like butternut squash, carrot, and red pepper, this purée is not only delicious but also full of vitamins A and C, fibre, and antioxidants to support your baby's growth and immunity.

The soft, velvety texture makes it perfect for babies starting solids around 6 months, and it’s easily customizable; you can stir in a little breastmilk or formula for a creamier finish. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it a lifesaver for busy parents who want a wholesome, homemade option always ready to go.

Why You’d Love This Baby Puree

• Naturally smooth and gentle on little tummies
• Rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants
• Freezes beautifully, which is ideal for batch cooking
• Easily adaptable for allergies or special diets
• A smart, stress-free way to add Veggies any day

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Yields: 3–4 portions

How to Make these Warm Veggie Puree

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 60g red bell pepper, cored, deseeded, and chopped
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup butternut squash, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup water (plus extra if needed)
• ½ cup frozen peas (or fresh)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Base Veggies

Start by warming the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and carrot. Sauté gently for about 3 minutes, stirring often. This step softens the veggies and enhances their natural sweetness, forming a flavourful base for the purée.

2. Add the Butternut Squash and Water

Stir in the butternut squash cubes and pour in 1 cup of water. The water will create steam, which helps to cook the squash evenly while keeping the mix moist.

3. Simmer Until Soft

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover the pan with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the vegetables are fork-tender and soft enough to mash easily.

4. Add Peas & Finish Cooking

Add the frozen peas and simmer for another 3–4 minutes. The peas will soften quickly and add a lovely pop of color and sweetness. If the mixture looks too dry, feel free to add an extra splash of water to loosen it slightly.

5. Blend to Desired Texture

Once all the veggies are soft, remove the pan from heat. Use a hand blender directly in the pan or transfer everything into a blender/food processor. Blend until you achieve a silky smooth purée or leave it slightly chunky for older babies developing their chewing skills.

Tips for success

Chop Veggies Evenly 

Aim to cut all your vegetables into similar-sized pieces, about 1–2 cm cubes. This ensures they cook at the same rate, so you won’t end up with some pieces overcooked and others still firm. Uniform cooking is key to achieving a smooth, lump-free purée that’s gentle on your baby’s palate.

Simmer Low and Slow

Once you’ve brought the veggies to a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Slow simmering helps the vegetables soften completely, intensifying their natural sweetness and making them easier to blend into a creamy consistency.

Adjust Liquid Gradually

The amount of water you’ll need can vary depending on how much liquid is released from the veggies during cooking. Start with 1 cup, but if the purée feels too thick after blending, gradually add extra water (or breastmilk/formula) a tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right texture for your baby’s stage; thin for beginners, thicker for more experienced eaters.

Use Fresh or Frozen Peas

Frozen peas are flash-frozen at peak ripeness, so they often have just as much (or even more) sweetness and nutrition compared to fresh ones. Don’t hesitate to use them straight from the freezer for convenience and consistency in flavor and color.

Serving suggestions

Serve as a Simple First Purée

This recipe is perfect as a gentle, single-texture purée for babies starting solids. Serve it slightly warm (not hot) directly on a spoon, allowing your baby to explore the taste and texture at their own pace.

Boost Satiety with Add-Ins

For older babies or when you want a more filling meal, you can stir in a spoonful of baby rice, mashed potatoes, or even cooked quinoa. These additions add extra calories and bulk, making the meal more satisfying for growing appetites.

Thin Out for Younger Babies

If the purée feels too thick, thin it out with a splash of breastmilk, formula, or cooled boiled water. This not only adjusts the texture but also adds familiarity for breastfed/formula-fed babies.

Toddler-Friendly Serving Ideas

For toddlers who prefer finger foods, spread the purée on toast fingers, or use it as a dip for soft-cooked vegetable sticks (like steamed carrot batons, cucumber sticks, or sweet potato wedges). It can also work as a nutritious “sauce” over small pasta shapes.

How to store

Refrigerating

Once the purée has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate immediately. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to portion only what you need for immediate feeding and avoid double-dipping spoons, as saliva can introduce bacteria.

Freezing

Portion the cooled purée into ice cube trays or small freezer-safe containers. Once frozen solid, transfer the cubes into labeled freezer bags. This makes it easy to thaw single portions as needed. The purée can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months without losing quality.

Reheating

To thaw, either defrost overnight in the fridge or use a microwave on a low setting, stirring and checking the temperature thoroughly before serving. Always test the purée's warmth with the inside of your wrist to avoid burns. For a smoother texture after freezing, give it a quick stir after reheating to reincorporate any separated liquid.

Nutrition

 (Per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 110 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 0.6g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 2.8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 28mg
• Potassium: 460mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g
• Vitamin A: 6,250 IU
• Vitamin C: 42mg
• Calcium: 40mg
• Iron: 1mg

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.