How to Make Sweet Potato Puree for Babies
Wholesome sweet potatoes are a classic baby favorite. They're sweeter in flavor than normal potatoes, yet still mild, and they take on a fluffy texture when mixed with breast milk or formula. Here's how to make sweet potato puree.
Step 1: Select & Buy the Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are available year-round, but peak growing season is fall. Look for sweet potatoes (or yams) that are firm and free of cracks or soft spots. One medium sweet potato yields about five ounces of puree.
Step 2: Wash and Prep the Sweet Potato
Rinse the sweet potato in cold water. Scrub the skin with a small vegetable brush to remove dirt. Rinse again, then peel with a veggie peeler. Dice into small chunks.
Step 3: Cook the Sweet Potato
Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat (until bubbles are soft) and cook sweet potato chunks until tender (about 15 minutes). Drain sweet potatoes and rinse with cold water for three minutes to stop the cooking process.
Step 4: Puree the Sweet Potato
Puree cooked sweet potato in a food processor or blender until smooth. Add water as needed to reach desired consistency. Once your baby is ready for finger foods, typically around 10 months, you can serve her sweet potato that's been cooked and cut into tiny pieces.
Step 5: Serve Sweet Potato Puree
Sweet potatoes are delicious alone or mixed with a variety of other veggies, fruits, meats, and spices. Try mixing sweet potato puree with:
- Dash of cinnamon
- Raisins
- Applesauce (with or without yogurt)
- Full-fat Greek yogurt and butternut squash
- Peaches
- Rice
- Lentils
- Broccoli
- Peas
- Green beans
- Beef
- Chicken
Step 6: Refrigerate or Freeze Leftover Sweet Potato Puree
Cool sweet potato puree and refrigerate leftovers in BPA-free containers for up to 3 days. Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in your refrigerator.
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