Age of Introduction| 8 monthsYield| 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
