This vibrant Pea Puree with Optional Mint is such an easy baby food to make, and so a great first food when starting solids. Pea puree is a deliciously sweet and subtle side to any protein, so why not serve it to the whole family! Added mint gives another flavour combination for baby to try, and makes this pea and mint puree a tasty side dish to many main meals – think roast lamb or fish and chips with minty peas. Yummo!
Who doesn’t love peas? My sister actually, who as a child would secretly spit them into a large vase my parents kept beside the fireplace. The mushy mess was only discovered when we moved house, and my parents went to pack the vase. She still doesn’t eat peas. I, on the other hand, love them! And so in the hope that my children will too, I served them peas along with other green veggies from early into starting solids!
This is such a quick recipe for homemade baby food. I always have peas in the freezer, so this Pea Puree with Optional Mint was a great saviour when I need a fast meal prepped for Baby LJ early into starting solid foods.
Ingredients for pea puree baby food
For this easy puree recipe you will need:
Peas – Yes, I use frozen instead of fresh peas. We always have a bag in our freezer, and that’s what makes this baby food recipe super simple! No preparation needed, just steam, blend, serve. Perfect!
Mint – I love adding mint to this pea purée for the freshness it adds. Mint grows in abundance in my garden, and so I’m fortunate to just pick what I need. There’s something really satisfying about adding homegrown goodness to our meals. You only need small amounts for this baby puree, so if you buy mint and aren’t sure what to do with the remainder, freeze it for next time.
Tips for making this easy pea puree
Thermomixer? I use my Thermomix to steam the peas. When you place peas into the simmering basket make sure they are separated, and not frozen in a large lump. Otherwise, you’ll need to increase your cooking time. I learnt that the hard way! 😁 Once steamed, then blend.
Conventional cook? Cook your peas however you normally would until soft. Then blend using whatever appliance you have on hand – a food processor, hand blender or baby food maker.
See the recipe card below for ingredient amounts and detailed steps for both thermo cooker and conventional methods.
Serving for first or second stage weaning
Pureed peas is ideal for both Stage 1 (around 6 months of age) and Stage 2 (around 6-9 months) of weaning baby. This puree makes about 1 cup, so not a huge amount but generally enough for first foods. For first stage/younger babies, try offering this dish for the first time without the mint and as a very smooth consistency puree by mixing through a small amount of cooled boiled water, formula milk or expressed breast milk immediately before serving. For second stage weaning/older babies, add the mint, and increase the texture of the pea mixture by blending/pureeing for less time. As baby grows and develops, you can progress to different textures from runny/smooth purees to chunkier mashed foods, to serving bite-sized pieces (whole peas in this case) as you would for the family.
This Pea Puree with Optional Mint is great on its own, or spread onto toast fingers when self-feeding/ Baby Led Weaning (BLW).
Storing this pea baby food
If making ahead or as leftovers, store this homemade baby food in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freezer for up to 1 month [1]. Freezing different fruits and vegetables in individual portions, using baby food or silicone ice cube trays, is a great idea for quick meals. Be sure to practice food safety when freezing, defrosting and reheating baby food. Annabel Karmel has a great go-to guide [2] on preparing, freezing and reheating foods for baby 👍.
Looking for more homemade baby food recipes to try? Check out the Puree category. Or for another simple baby food puree that can double as a family side, try this Sweet Potato Puree with Optional Sumac. It starts with roasting sweet potato chips before blending for baby, so is a great option for busy families looking to share meals.
If you make this Pea Puree with Optional Mint, 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.
Enjoy!
Chloe x
Pea Puree with Optional Mint
Category: PuréeTap or hover to scale
Ingredients
- 200 g frozen peas
- 12 fresh mint leaves
- 500 g water
Thermo Cooker Instructions
- Put the peas and mint (if using) into the simmering basket.
- Pour the water into the mixing bowl. Insert the simmering basket and cook for 5 minutes, Varoma, speed 2, MC on.
- Remove the simmering basket, and reserve the cooking liquid in a bowl or jug.
- Put the peas into the mixing bowl with 3 tbs of the reserved cooking liquid.
- Chop for 30 seconds, speed 7, MC on, making sure to increase the speed gradually to avoid the peas immediately sticking to the sides of the mixing bowl. Shake the lid a little before lifting it off, as there will be peas on top. Scrape down the mixing bowl and lid, and repeat 1 to 2 times until you are happy with the consistency, adding more liquid if necessary (Note 1).
Conventional Instructions
- Steam the peas and mint in a steamer basket over a saucepan/pot with lid for 5 minutes.
- Blend peas with 3 tbs of cooking liquid, using a food processor or hand blender, until you are happy with the consistency (Note 1).
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Information
[1] Homemade baby food, 2023, Raising Children Network Australia.
[2] Go to guide: preparing, freezing and reheating foods for baby, 2022, Annabel Karmel.
One Response
Great idea to introduce peas.