Broccoli for Babies: Nutritional Value and 4 Delicious Recipes

Broccoli for babies has gained popularity due to its health benefits, becoming a staple in salads and dishes. But is broccoli suitable for babies? What are its properties and how does it benefit their health? Let’s delve into these questions and explore baby-friendly broccoli recipes.

Important tips about Broccoli for Babies

Choosing and Preparing Broccoli for Babies

• Select dark green broccoli heads that are firm and heavy.
• Cut into small pieces after washing thoroughly to remove dirt.
• Steam or boil broccoli before serving to infants to soften it and remove any remaining stains.

Cooking Broccoli for Babies

• For soups, add small broccoli florets and blend thoroughly after cooking to prevent choking hazards.
• Steam broccoli for purees to retain flavor and nutrients.

Pairing Broccoli with Vitamin C-Rich Foods

Serve broccoli with vitamin C-rich foods like orange or strawberry juice to aid iron absorption.

Strategies to Encourage Broccoli Consumption

• Make mealtime fun by decorating plates and creating imaginative stories about broccoli.
• Hide broccoli in soups or mix with other foods to mask its taste.
• Lead by example and eat broccoli yourself to encourage your child.
• Be patient and persistent in offering broccoli to develop healthy eating habits.

Broccoli Recipes for Babies

Broccoli Cream Soup for babies

Ingredients:

• 8 to 10 broccoli florets
• 1 medium potato
• 1 teaspoon cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon butter
• 1 tablespoon grated garlic and onion
• Dash of pepper
• 1 cup water

Broccoli Soup Recipe:

1. Wash and finely cut the potatoes.
2. Chop the broccoli florets into small pieces.
3. In a pot, sauté garlic and onion in butter.
4. Add potatoes, broccoli, and water. Simmer until cooked.
5. Blend the ingredients thoroughly.
6. Return the soup to the pot, add milk, and bring to a boil.
7. After 2 minutes, remove from heat and add cream and pepper. Serve when cooled.
8. Broccoli and Potato Puree (For Babies 10 Months and Older):

Refer to the article to learn Potato and Broccoli Puree Recipe for Babies.

Pasta with Broccoli puree for babies (+1 Year)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pasta
• 1 broccoli floret
• 1 tablespoon nut powder
• Olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• Salt, pepper
• Fresh lime juice

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Steam broccoli and mash.
3. Fry garlic in olive oil, add mashed broccoli, nut powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix in cooked pasta and let flavors meld.
5. Add lime juice and serve. Optional: sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
6. Broccoli Pilaf (For Babies 1 Year and Older):

Broccoli rice for babies (+1 years)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• Salt, pepper, turmeric
• 2.5 cups chicken or meat broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Wash and soak rice.
2. Steam broccoli and mash.
3. Fry garlic in olive oil with spices.
4. Add broccoli, rice, and broth to the pan. Bring to a boil.
5. Simmer until rice is cooked.
6. Serve as a nutritious lunch option.
7. Broccoli Cutlets (For Babies Over 1 Year Old):

Broccoli Patties for babies(+1 year)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 medium potato
• Oil
• 3 tablespoons bread crumbs
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 egg
• Dash of pepper, turmeric

Instructions:

1. Cook potatoes and broccoli, then mash.
2. Mix mashed veggies with garlic, bread crumbs, egg, and spices.
3. Form mixture into small patties.
4. Fry in oil until golden brown.
5. Serve as a hearty and delicious evening meal.

Nutritional Value of 100 grams of Steamed Broccoli for babies

• Vitamin A: 31 micrograms
• Vitamin C: 89.2 mg
• Vitamin E: 0.78 mg
• Niacin: 0.64 mg
• Folate: 63 micrograms
• Iron: 0.73 mg
• Sodium: 33 mg
• Calcium: 47 mg
• Magnesium: 21 mg
• Phosphorus: 66 mg
• Potassium: 316 mg

Other vitamins present in broccoli, albeit in smaller amounts, include:

• Vitamin K
• Manganese

At What Age is Broccoli Recommended for Babies?

Broccoli isn’t suitable for six-month-old babies. It’s best to start with carrots at this age due to the immature digestive system. Introduce broccoli into your baby’s diet from 10 months onwards, but be cautious as it may cause bloating in some babies.

Broccoli Benefits for Babies

1. Boosts Immune System: Broccoli is rich in vitamin C, bolstering your baby’s immune system and overall health.
2. Supports Eye Health: Vitamin A in broccoli enhances eyesight, complemented by beta-carotene and phosphorus.
3. Combats Anemia: Broccoli’s iron content aids in hemoglobin production, improving oxygen supply in the body.
4. Treats Stomach Ulcers: Broccoli soup can soothe stomach ulcers by regulating stomach acid.
5. Antioxidant Rich: Broccoli’s antioxidants detoxify the body, combat free radicals, and protect cells.
6. Relieves Constipation: High fiber content in broccoli helps alleviate infant constipation and supports digestion.