Pea puree can be used and made as a side dish for your food, or as a baby food puree. The great thing about this recipe is that you can use the same recipe for both - so cook once for the whole family.
In fancy restaurants pea puree is usually splashed over your plate and topped with some meat and fish. That kind of puree is usually made with garlic, shallots, butter, maybe cream and what not. Here we make a simpler version, but one with the same amount of flavour and zing that both you and baby will love.
Why we love this puree recipe
- Perfect stage 1 baby food puree
- Perfect side dish or sauce for the rest of the family
- Made year-round with frozen peas
- 10 minutes to make
- Freezable, meaning batchable – yay!
- Full of nutrients for you and baby
Ingredients
If you are making stage 1 baby food, so a single ingredient baby food, then you would just make it from peas, but you can always add the optional ingredients below.
- Peas - use frozen peas, no need to thaw beforehand. You can use either sweet, English, baby, or garden peas (or any others you find really)
- A herb - fresh mint, basil or parsley work well here (optional)
- Lemon juice - gives it that little bit of zing to enhance flavor
- Olive oil - helps make it creamier while providing us with healthy monounsaturated fats
Health benefits of peas
Peas are a great source of fiber and protein so they can be a great protein-rich addition to a vegetarian or vegan meal. They are also a good source of vitamin C, magnesium, and folate. Due to their carbohydrate profile, they can lower blood cholesterol and sugar so are a great food to promote a healthy body.
How to make pea puree
- Cook the peas - Place the peas in a steamer basket over boiling water, cover and steam for about 5 minutes. (Alternatively, place them in a saucepan with boiling water for 5 minutes until soft, and then drain).
- Make puree - Place in a blender with some lemon juice, olive oil and herbs (all optional) and blend until smooth. If you use a blender, the puree will have a much smoother texture than if you use a food processor however even if you use a blender you may want to make it super smooth. To make it silky smooth (restaurant style) you want to push it through a sieve with a spoon.
- Taste and add salt for adults, not for baby.
Pea puree for baby
Pea puree is a great first food for baby because it is made from vegetables, tastes delicious, and is easy to make. It is always a great idea to have a bag of frozen peas in your freezer so even when you feel like your fridge is empty, you can always make this recipe.
Once made, portion it out into an ice tray or these Keedo Feedo baby food storage trays so you have baby food ready in a second.
You can then also combine it with other single ingredient purees, such as puree carrots for baby recipe, sweet potato, pumpkin puree, pear puree, apple puree or avocado.
Feeding tips for baby
- Offer on a preloaded spoon so they can take the spoon by themselves, explore it and eventually put the spoon in their mouth as a first step to independent feeding
- Baby-led weaning version, this is also great spread on toast and then cut the toast into thin fingers for baby to easily grab.
How to store and reheat pea puree
- Puree is best stored in airtight containers in the fridge. In the freezer use ice cube trays or specific trays for baby puree like this one from Keedo Feedo.
- Store in the fridge for 3 days and freezer for up to 6 months
- Thaw overnight in the fridge in an airtight container
- To serve remove it 2 hours in advance from the fridge so the puree reaches room temperature and then you don't have to reheat it
- Reheat in a small saucepan on the stove with a tsp of water
What does pea puree go well with
- Any meat or seafood, either place the meat or seafood on top of the puree or place the puree in the middle of the table so each person can spoon it for themselves
- Spread on toast, add some feta and black pepper and you have a delicious snack
- Mix a small amount with pasta and use as a healthy pasta sauce
- Grate some parmesan or hard goat's cheese and dip breadsticks or toasted pitta in
FAQ
Yes, of course. Frozen peas are a great budget-friendly option that is available year-round. You can either boil them or steam them and then turn them into a puree or spread.
As soon as you start introducing solid food. Pea puree is a great first food for baby because it is nutritious, freezer friendly and blends into a creamy puree.
Peas can be a possible constipation food but that is very individual to each baby. Once you decide to include peas in your baby's nutrition make sure to watch out for any tummy discomfort or other constipation signs. If you notice any signs of discomfort make sure to include fiber-rich foods like whole grains and seeds as well as a lot of water.
If the peas are being cooked for too long then the chlorophyll spills out of them. Steaming helps the peas retain color better than boiling. You could also shock the peas so that once you drain them you place them in a bowl of cool ice water.
If you've tried this or any other recipe on the blog, then please rate it and leave us a comment below!
More baby food recipes
Pea puree (for baby & side dish)
EQUIPMENT
Ingredients
- 500 g frozen peas any variety
- ½ cup water
Optional
- 8 leaves fresh herbs parsley, basil, mint
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste omit for baby
Instructions
- Place the peas in a steamer basket over boiling water, cover and steam for about 5 minutes. (Alternatively place them in a saucepan with boiling water for 5 minutes until soft and then drain).
- Place in a blender with some lemon juice, olive oil and herbs (all optional) and blend until smooth. If you use a blender the puree will have a much smoother texture than if you use a food processor however even if you use a blender you may want to make it super smooth. To make it silky smooth you want to push it through a sieve with a spoon
- Taste and add salt for adults, not for baby.
Notes
- For baby and adults
- Freeze in ice cube trays or baby food storage tray
Nutrition
If you've tried this recipe for kids then rate the recipe below and leave us a comment!
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