Roasted Parsnip and Pear Puree

I realized that I haven't posted many recipes for our youngest munchkins just starting out on solid food, so I thought I would post this puree which is sure to tickle baby's taste buds. Roasting vegetables such as parsnips and sweet potatoes rather than steaming brings out and accentuates their natural sweetness and flavours. As for the idea that you shouldn't introduce baby to sweet tastes first or else they won't accept non-sweet foods, I don't really buy it. If you are breastfeeding, baby is already used to sweet, as breast milk is sweet tasting. Rather, you are just building on the flavors that they know, which will make the transition to solids smoother. 

This is fine to make for babies once they have tried each individually to rule out reactions. It is also a great recipe to multitask and make other foods at the same time (try roasting something else in the oven at the same time, and steam two pears rather than one and use half by itself or in another combo to economize on time making baby food).

This is a wonderful combo of seasonal produce and it is so naturally sweet and yummy that you can keep making it as an alternative to applesauce for older babes and kids.


 


















Roasted Parsnip and Pear Puree

- 3 parsnips
- 1 large pear (I prefer bosc for this recipe)


Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Peel your parsnips and cut into halves. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 45 min - 1hr, until tender, turning halfway through. (They will start to look a little dry, but don't worry about it). 


Meanwhile, peel, core, and chunk the pear. Steam until tender in a steaming basket set over a saucepan of water. Set steamed pear aside, keeping steaming water in the saucepan. 


When parsnip is finished roasting, cut into chunks. Bring steaming water back up to a simmer and add parsnip, simmering for 5 or so minutes. This step helps to soften them up and makes creating a nice smooth puree easier.


Puree both parnip and pear in a mini food processor or blender. 


Makes 5 or so cubes


* this mixture freezes well