Broccoli

broccoli course pureeAge of Introduction|  8 months

Yield|  2 lbs. broccoli heads w/ large stems + 1/2 c. water = 2-1/2 c. puree (20 cubes)

Storage|  Refrigerator 3-4 days. Freezer up to 2 months

Prep Time|  12-16 minutes (includes cook time)

Choose|  Broccoli should be vibrant green in color with no brown discoloration to the florets or the tip of the stem.  Choose broccoli that has firm stem and stalks. 

Prep|  Cut florets from head of broccoli and discard large stem and leaves.  Place florets in a strainer and rinse thoroughly before using. 

Cooking broccoli in the microwave or in a steamer best preserves its nutrients.  Use steamer according to manufacturer instructions.  If you cook in the microwave, place florets in a microwave-safe dish and add 1/4 c. water.  Cover with plastic wrap or a microwave-safe plate and cook on full power 5 minutes.  Stir and cook an additional 3-5 minutes on full power (broccoli is done when easily pierced with a fork).  Use the cooking water as you process the puree to retain nutrients, then add up to another 1/4 c. water while pureeing if you prefer a smoother consistency.

Serve|  Mix with any combination of the following:

8 months Cooked brown rice                                                                              Cooked diced whole wheat pasta
Mashed cooked carrots
Mashed white potatoes                                                                           Plain whole milk yogurt
9 months Cooked diced zucchini or yellow squash
Cooked diced onion
Cooked diced carrot
Any suggestion from 8 months
10 months Cooked ground beef or ground turkey
Shredded or finely diced cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Finely shredded raw carrots
Diced cooked sweet bell peppers
Cauliflower puree or cooked and finely chopped cauliflower
Any suggestion from 8-9 months
Mix with whole milk ricotta and spread on whole wheat bread
15 months Cooked diced chicken breast
Any suggestion from 8-10 months

Related Recipes|  Broccoli Cheddar Baked Potato – Broccoli Cheddar Soup -Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Bake – Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Casserole – Chicken, Broccoli & Cheddar Deli Pockets – Super Grilled Cheese

Main Nutrients|  Vitamin C – Vitamin A – Dietary Fiber- Vitamin K- Vitamin B6- Folate- Potassium-Manganese- Protein – Calcium- Iron

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