A naturally sweet and nutrient-packed purée, this Carrot Strawberry and Mango blend is a delightful and healthy choice for babies beginning their journey into solid foods. With vibrant colors and a smooth texture, it introduces your little one to a variety of flavors and essential vitamins.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This fruit and vegetable purée is a wholesome combination of taste and nutrition. Carrots provide beta-carotene for healthy vision, strawberries add a dose of antioxidants and Vitamin C, and mangoes bring natural sweetness and a tropical flavor. It’s a great way to expose your baby to a mix of fruits and vegetables in one simple meal. The recipe is quick to prepare, easy to digest, and freezer-friendly, making it a favorite for busy parents.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Carrots, peeled and chopped
- Fresh strawberries, hulled
- Ripe mango, peeled and diced
- Water or breast milk/formula (optional, for thinning the purée)
Directions
- Steam the chopped carrots until tender, about 10–15 minutes.
- While the carrots are steaming, prepare the strawberries and mango by washing, hulling, and chopping them.
- Once the carrots are soft, allow them to cool slightly.
- Combine the steamed carrots, strawberries, and mango in a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth. Add water, breast milk, or formula as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Allow the purée to cool completely before serving to your baby.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 4–6 servings, depending on portion size. It is suitable for babies aged 8 months and older. Preparation takes approximately 10 minutes, and cooking time is around 15 minutes, making the total time about 25 minutes.
Variations
- Apple substitute: Replace strawberries with peeled and steamed apple for a milder flavor.
- Add grains: Mix in a bit of cooked oatmeal or quinoa for added texture and nutrients.
- Add spices: For babies already accustomed to solids, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance flavor.
- Use frozen fruits: When fresh strawberries or mango are out of season, use frozen (thawed) alternatives.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays or baby food containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently by placing the purée in a heat-safe bowl over warm water or in the microwave, checking temperature before serving.
FAQs
What age is this purée suitable for?
This purée is ideal for babies 8 months and older, especially those already introduced to single-ingredient foods.
Can I use frozen fruits instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen mango and strawberries. Be sure to thaw them completely before blending.
How can I thin the purée?
Use water, breast milk, or formula to achieve the desired consistency.
Is it safe to mix fruits and vegetables in baby food?
Yes, combining fruits and vegetables can create balanced, nutritious purées and help babies develop a broader palate.
Can I make this purée ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can make it in bulk and store it in the refrigerator or freezer.
How do I introduce this new flavor to my baby?
Start with a small portion and observe your baby’s reaction over a few days to ensure no allergies or sensitivities.
What if my baby doesn’t like the purée?
Try mixing it with a more familiar purée or introducing it again after a few days.
Can I add yogurt to this purée?
Yes, for babies over 8 months, plain full-fat yogurt can be added to increase creaminess and nutrition.
Do I need to cook the fruits?
No, strawberries and mangoes do not need to be cooked, but make sure they are soft and ripe.
How do I know if the purée is the right consistency?
It should be smooth and not too thick. If it drips slowly off a spoon, it’s a good texture for babies.
Conclusion
Carrot Strawberry and Mango Fruit Purée is a colorful, tasty, and nutritious option for babies ready for mixed flavors. With its simple preparation and vitamin-rich ingredients, this recipe makes it easy to provide wholesome meals your baby will enjoy. Whether fresh or frozen, this purée is a great addition to your little one’s mealtime routine.
Print
Carrot Strawberry and Mango Fruit Purée for Baby
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 1 1/2 cups (4–6 baby servings) 1x
- Category: Baby Food
- Method: Steam, Blend
- Cuisine: Baby-Friendly, American
Description
This Carrot, Strawberry, and Mango Fruit Purée is a bright, smooth, and nutritious blend ideal for babies 6 months and up. Naturally sweet from fresh fruits and gently steamed carrots, it offers vitamins, fiber, and flavor in every spoonful. Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly for busy parents!
Ingredients
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen mango chunks (peeled and cubed if fresh)
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled
- 2–4 tablespoons water, breast milk, or formula (to adjust texture)
Instructions
- Steam the chopped carrots for 10–12 minutes until tender.
- If using frozen mango or strawberries, allow them to thaw slightly.
- Add steamed carrots, mango, and strawberries to a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth, adding water, breast milk, or formula a little at a time to reach the desired consistency.
- Let cool before serving to baby.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze in baby-safe portions for up to 1 month.
Notes
- Always check with your pediatrician before introducing new foods.
- Use ripe mangoes and strawberries for natural sweetness—no added sugar needed!
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for a gentle flavor boost (for babies 8+ months).
- Serve alone or mix into baby cereal or yogurt for variety.
- Details
Nutrition
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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