Crispy and Savory Cucumber Salad for Babies
11-Month-Old Baby Side Dish for Picky Eaters: Delicious and Crunchy Cucumber Salad Recipe
My baby refused pureed baby food, so we started him on solid foods a bit earlier, at 11 months. I wanted to create a dish using readily available cucumbers that would be easy for little hands to pick up and introduce him to a cool, savory flavor. This dish is perfect as a summer side, and my baby absolutely loves its satisfying crunch!
Ingredients- 1 fresh cucumber
- 1/2 tsp coarse salt
- 1/2 tsp baby salt (or a tiny pinch of regular salt)
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of coarse salt over the surface of the washed cucumber. Gently rub the cucumber with your hands to remove any dirt or imperfections, then rinse it thoroughly under running water. This step helps to remove any bitterness and enhances the cucumber’s crisp texture.
Step 2
Place the clean cucumber on a cutting board and carefully cut it in half lengthwise. Aim for a moderate thickness rather than cutting it too thinly.
Step 3
Using a small spoon, gently scoop out the seeds from the center of each cucumber half. Don’t discard the scooped-out cucumber flesh; you can enjoy it yourself or even use it as a soothing mask for the skin.
Step 4
Place the hollowed-out cucumber halves back on the cutting board. Cut each half into 6 lengthwise pieces. Then, dice these pieces into bite-sized cubes that are easy for your baby to pick up and eat. Cutting them into uniform sizes is helpful for little ones.
Step 5
Add 1/2 teaspoon of baby salt (or a very small amount of regular salt) to the diced cucumbers and gently toss to combine. Let the cucumbers sit for about 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Afterward, drain any liquid that has accumulated. This process helps the cucumbers retain their crispness.
Step 6
While the cucumbers are salting, place 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds into a mortar and pestle and grind them into a coarse powder. If you have pre-ground sesame seeds (sesame powder), feel free to use those instead. Freshly ground seeds will add a wonderful aroma.
Step 7
To the salted cucumbers, add the minced garlic (1/2 tsp), sesame oil (1/2 tsp), and the ground sesame seeds. Gently mix everything together with your hands, being careful not to mash the cucumber pieces. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed for a delicious and satisfying baby cucumber salad!
