Vegetable Broth and Vegetable Puree (Brodo Vegetale e Passato di Verdura)

When my little one started on solids, I wanted to create something simple, nourishing, and gentle for their tiny tummy. That’s when I turned to this classic vegetable broth and puree recipe—brodo vegetale—a comforting dish that has been a go-to in many Italian households for generations. It felt like the perfect choice: light, packed with vitamins, and easy to digest.

I remember the first time I made this for my baby; watching their reaction to the new flavors was such a special moment.

This Italian-inspired recipe is perfect for the first stages of weaning—it’s gentle on their tummy, easy to digest, and can be customized to suit your baby’s growing tastes.

The warmth of the broth, combined with the smoothness of the vegetable puree, was an instant hit. This recipe quickly became a staple in our home, and I loved knowing I was giving them something wholesome, full of goodness, and made with love. I’m excited to share this with you as you embark on your own baby’s journey into solid foods!

Ingredients:

• 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
• 1 small zucchini, chopped
• 1 small potato, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 onion (optional for added flavor)
• 1 celery stalk, chopped (optional)
• 1 liter of water
• A pinch of salt (optional and only if recommended by your pediatrician)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
   Start by washing, peeling, and chopping all the vegetables. Keep the pieces roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. The choice of vegetables is essential: carrots provide a slight sweetness, zucchini adds a delicate flavor, and potatoes give the broth a bit of thickness. You can also include a small piece of onion and celery for added flavor, but they are optional, especially for younger babies just starting solids.
2. Simmer the Broth:
   Place the vegetables in a medium-sized pot and cover them with about 1 liter of water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for around 40-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and tender. Make sure to keep the heat low to preserve the nutrients while cooking.
3. Strain the Broth:
   Once the vegetables are fully cooked, strain the broth using a fine sieve into a clean container. This vegetable broth (brodo vegetale) can be used on its own or as a base for other baby food recipes. It’s light, hydrating, and rich in vitamins.
4. Prepare the Puree:
   Transfer the cooked vegetables to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, adding small amounts of the vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency. For younger babies, a thinner puree is ideal, while older babies may prefer it a bit thicker as they get used to new textures. If you need the puree even smoother, you can pass it through a fine sieve.
5. Serve:
   Once blended, the vegetable puree (passato di verdura) is ready to serve. Make sure the puree is at a safe temperature before feeding it to your baby. You can also store extra portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze in small portions for future meals.

Customization Ideas:

As your baby gets more comfortable with solids, you can begin to introduce other vegetables like:

• Pumpkin or sweet potato for added sweetness
• Spinach or Swiss chard for a boost of iron
• Peas or green beans for a slightly thicker texture

Tips:

• Batch Cooking: Make larger quantities of broth and puree to freeze in ice cube trays for quick and easy meals throughout the week.
• Freezing: Once frozen, transfer the puree cubes to a freezer-safe bag, and simply defrost portions as needed. These will keep for up to a month.
• Broth for Later: Save the vegetable broth for thinning out future purees, or use it as a base for more complex baby food recipes as your baby grows.

Nutritional Benefits:

This recipe is packed with vitamins and minerals. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene (which converts to Vitamin A), zucchini offers antioxidants and Vitamin C, while potatoes provide energy and potassium. Together, these ingredients create a balanced meal that supports your baby’s overall growth and development.

Conclusion:

This simple vegetable broth and puree recipe is a nourishing and flexible base for your baby’s first meals. Not only does it introduce a variety of flavors and textures, but it also gives you the freedom to adapt as your little one grows. It’s a comforting, nutritious way to begin the journey into solid foods!

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