This smooth and naturally sweet Parsnip Puree makes a yummy first food when your little one starts solids. With its mild, nutty flavour, parsnip is a great way to introduce new tastes while still being gentle on baby’s tummy. Parsnips are naturally soft when cooked, and blend to a silky-smooth puree that’s easy for babies to eat during the early weeks of weaning. This homemade parsnip baby food is easy to make too, so a great starter puree!
Ingredients in Parsnip Puree
Here’s what you need to make this easy parsnip puree recipe for baby:
Parsnips – Choose fresh, firm parsnips with smooth skin. Smaller parsnips tend to be sweeter and less woody. You’ll want approximately 200g/7oz of prepared parsnip to make 1 cup of parsnip baby food.
Water – For steaming, and then to achieve a smooth consistency puree when blending.
How to Make Parsnip Puree
Place a steaming basket over a saucepan on the stovetop to cook the parsnips. Steaming instead of boiling helps retain more flavour and nourishment, so it’s always my preferred cooking method. The cooking time will vary based on the size of the parsnip pieces, so check for softness by piercing them with a skewer or knife. Once tender, transfer the parsnips to a food processor and blend with 1/2 cup cooking liquid, or use a stick/immersion blender to puree until you reach the desired consistency (see Note 1 in the recipe card below).
Thermomixer? If using a Thermomix or thermo cooker, simply add the chopped parsnips to the simmering basket, and with water in the mixing bowl, steam until soft. Reserve the cooking liquid. Then, in the mixing bowl, blend the parsnips with some of the cooking liquid until smooth.
You’ll find the recipe card below, with ingredient amounts and detailed steps for both regular and thermo cooker methods.
Serving Parsnip Puree
Pureed parsnip is a perfect first food for Stage 1 weaning (around 6 months). For babies in Stage 2 weaning (6-9 months), you can reduce the amount of cooking liquid added and mash cooked parsnip with a fork for a chunkier texture. You can also mix it with other purees like carrot, apple, or sweet potato.
If your baby is ready, why not offer steamed parsnip sticks as a finger food alongside the puree, to allow baby to explore different textures.
Storing Parsnip Puree
This recipe makes about 1 cup of Parsnip Puree. If you have leftovers or make it ahead, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Alternatively, freeze in small portions for up to 1 month. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight and use it the next day. Always follow safe guidelines for freezing, thawing, and reheating baby food.
Looking for more baby puree ideas? Check out my baby puree guide for more easy, yummy recipes to try! And for another easy root vegetable puree for early weaning, try this carrot baby food.
If you make this Parsnip Puree, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you! Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest too for more baby food recipes.
Happy pureeing,
Chloe x
Parsnip Puree
Category: PuréeTap or hover to scale
Ingredients
- 2 parsnips peeled and roughly chopped into 2cm/1inch pieces (approx. 200g/7oz prepared)
- 500 ml water
Instructions
- Steam 2 parsnips in a steamer basket over a saucepan/pot with lid filled with 500 ml water, for 14 minutes or until parsnips are tender. Remove from the heat and reserve the cooking liquid.
- Using a food processor or stick blender/immersion blender, blend parsnips with 1/2 cup of cooking liquid until you are happy with the consistency (Note 1).
Thermomix Instructions
- Put 2 parsnips into the simmering basket.
- Pour 500 ml water into the mixing bowl. Insert the simmering basket and cook for 14 minutes, Varoma, speed 2, MC on.
- Remove the simmering basket, and reserve the cooking liquid in a bowl or jug.
- Put the parsnips into the mixing bowl with 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking liquid. Chop for 20 seconds, speed 6, MC on, making sure to increase the speed gradually to avoid the parsnips immediately sticking to the sides of the mixing bowl. Scrape down the mixing bowl and lid, and repeat 1 to 2 times until you are happy with the consistency (Note 1).
One Response
Parsnips are a really lovely, naturally sweet root vegetable to give as a first food. This is an easy baby food recipe to try as a starter puree, plus I love that parsnips pair really well with other purees too for different baby food combinations.