Broccoli Apple White Beans

This nutrient-packed baby food combines the earthy goodness of broccoli, sweet apples, and creamy white beans to create a versatile meal that grows with your little one. Whether served as a smooth stage 2 puree or broken down into finger foods, this recipe delivers essential nutrients in a simple, delicious package.

I created this recipe when my daughter started showing interest in more complex flavors. The combination was such a hit that it became one of our go to meals during those busy first years of feeding.

Ingredients

• Fresh broccoli florets provides essential vitamins and minerals crucial for development. Look for bright green heads with tight florets for maximum nutrition.
• Apple adds natural sweetness that babies love while delivering fiber and vitamin C. Choose firm apples with no bruising for best results.
• White beans offer plant based protein and create a creamy texture. Canned beans work perfectly just be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
• Water from steaming helps achieve the perfect consistency while preserving nutrients that would otherwise be lost.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep ingredients

Wash broccoli thoroughly and cut into small florets. Peel and core the apple, then slice into evenly sized pieces. Drain and rinse the white beans until water runs clear. This preparation ensures even cooking and maximum nutrient retention.

Steam everything together

Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Place all ingredients in a steamer basket, ensuring they're spread evenly. Cover with a tight fitting lid and steam for 8 10 minutes until vegetables are fork tender but not mushy. The gentle steam preserves both flavor and nutritional value.

Cool slightly

Remove from heat and allow the ingredients to cool for about 5 minutes. This makes handling safer and prevents the puree from becoming too thin from excess heat.

Process according to feeding stage

For purees, transfer everything to a blender with some reserved cooking water. Blend until completely smooth, adding small amounts of the nutrient rich cooking water as needed. For finger foods, simply transfer to a plate, gently smashing the beans to make them grippable for little hands.

Save This

The broccoli in this recipe is my favorite ingredient because it offers so much nutritional value while introducing babies to green vegetables early. I still remember the look of surprise and delight on my daughter's face when she first tasted this combination the little green bits on her chin became a regular mealtime sight!

Storage Solutions

This baby food keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in airtight containers. I recommend dividing it into small portions before storing. For longer storage, freeze the puree in ice cube trays, then transfer the frozen cubes to freezer bags labeled with the date. The puree stays good for up to 4 months in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or defrost in the microwave using a low setting. Always check the temperature before serving to your little one.

Creative Variations

This versatile recipe welcomes modifications based on your baby's preferences and what you have on hand. Sweet potatoes can replace apples for a more savory option with additional vitamin A. For babies over 8 months, try adding a sprinkle of mild spices like cinnamon or a squeeze of lemon juice to develop their palate. As your child grows, you can transform this into a toddler meal by mixing with cooked quinoa or pasta. The beauty of this recipe is how it evolves with your child's eating journey.

Nutritional Benefits

This thoughtfully combined meal delivers a powerhouse of nutrients crucial for your growing baby. Broccoli provides vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate essential for immune function and development. Apples contribute additional vitamin C along with antioxidants that protect growing cells. The white beans add plant based protein, iron, and zinc often lacking in infant diets. Together, these ingredients create a balanced meal offering complex carbohydrates, protein, and fiber that help keep your baby satisfied longer. The gentle cooking method preserves these nutrients, ensuring your little one gets maximum nutritional benefit.

Save This

Common Questions Answered

→ How do I adapt this for different baby feeding stages?

For Stage 1 (first foods): Puree until very smooth, adding more water if needed. For Stage 2: Create a thicker puree with more texture. For baby-led weaning: Serve the steamed ingredients as finger foods, slightly mashing the beans for easier gripping. For toddlers: Serve as finger foods or mix with quinoa or pasta for a complete meal.

→ Can I substitute any of the ingredients?

Yes! The apple can be replaced with pear for a different sweetness profile. White beans can be substituted with chickpeas or lentils for different protein options. Broccoli can be swapped with cauliflower, sweet potato, or zucchini based on your baby's preferences or what's available.

→ How can I tell if my baby is ready for this food?

Your baby is ready for this blend if they: can sit up with minimal support, show good head control, reach for food, open their mouth when food approaches, and can move food from the front to the back of their mouth. These developmental signs typically appear around 6 months of age.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

Store finger foods or puree in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The puree can also be frozen in individual portions using ice cube trays or small containers for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

→ Why combine these specific ingredients?

This combination offers excellent nutritional balance: broccoli provides fiber, vitamin C and calcium; apples add natural sweetness, fiber and antioxidants; white beans contribute plant protein, iron and additional fiber. Together, they create a nutrient-dense meal that supports growth and development with complementary flavors and textures.

→ What kitchen tools do I need to prepare this?

You'll need a medium saucepan, a steamer basket, a knife and cutting board for prepping ingredients, and either a blender or food processor if making puree. For serving, you'll need small bowls or plates appropriate for your baby's feeding stage and spoons for purees.