Cool Cucumber Puree for Baby
Stage 1 Baby Food: Refreshing and Cool Cucumber Puree
Introducing the ‘Cucumber Puree,’ a stage 1 baby food made with hydrating cucumber and nutritious rice. Cucumbers are over 95% water, making them excellent for baby’s hydration, and are rich in Vitamin C to boost immunity. Their cooling properties also make them ideal for babies with a fever. Initially, I worried this cucumber puree might not taste appealing, but my baby surprisingly enjoyed it, which was a delightful surprise! Some babies can have allergic reactions to cucumbers, so it’s wise to test with a small amount when first introducing it into their diet.
Ingredients- 16g Rice (soaked for 3-4 hours)
- 13g Cucumber (peeled and seeded)
- 330ml Water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 16g of rice and soak it in cold water for 3-4 hours until thoroughly softened. Soaked rice will blend more smoothly for baby food.
Step 2
Wash 13g of cucumber, peel it, and remove the seeds before preparation. For baby food, it’s best to use the flesh of the cucumber, which is high in water content.
Step 3
Lightly blanch the prepared cucumber in boiling water. Be careful not to overcook, as this can diminish its fresh flavor and nutrients. Blanching for about 30 seconds is ideal.
Step 4
In a blender, combine the soaked rice, blanched cucumber, and 180ml of water. Blend until you achieve a very smooth consistency without any lumps.
Step 5
Transfer the smoothly blended mixture to a pot. Add the remaining 150ml of water. The puree is now ready to be cooked.
Step 6
Place the pot over medium heat. Once it starts to boil, immediately reduce the heat to low. Stir continuously and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the puree becomes slightly sticky and translucent. Ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
Step 7
Remove the cooked puree from the heat and let it cool slightly. While still warm, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to ensure a perfectly smooth texture, free from any grain or cucumber pieces. Aim for the smoothest possible consistency for your baby.
Step 8
Your carefully prepared cucumber puree is now ready. You’ve made a smooth and deliciously refreshing puree for your baby.
Step 9
Divide the finished cucumber puree into three portions of 70ml each and pour into separate containers. Portioning it this way makes it convenient for feeding and storage.
Step 10
I was initially worried my baby might dislike the cucumber flavor, but thankfully, they ate it much better than I expected! I could detect a subtle cucumber aroma myself, but seeing my baby enjoy it made me feel so proud. This cucumber puree is definitely worth trying for your baby’s meals!
