Broccoli & Carrot Blend

Ingredients

• 2 mediumcarrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup (about 90 g)broccoli florets

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare vegetables

   Peel the carrots and slice them into rounds. Cut the broccoli into small florets.

2. 2

   Steam carrots

   Set the carrot rounds in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam for 4 minutes.

3. 3

   Add broccoli

   Add the broccoli florets and steam for a further 8–9 minutes, until both vegetables are very tender.

4. 4

   Transfer vegetables

   Put the steamed vegetables in a blender with 3–4 tablespoons of the steaming liquid.

5. 5

   Blend until smooth

   Blend on high until smooth. The carrots’ natural sweetness balances broccoli’s earthy flavour.

What is a broccoli and carrot blend?

This is a simple vegetable purée for a baby beginning to explore solid foods. It brings together sweet carrot and earthy broccoli, both cooked until soft and blended to a smooth texture.

Rather than a traditional dish with one distinct origin, it is a straightforward combination of familiar vegetables. The carrot’s sweetness helps round out the flavour of the broccoli.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 81 calories, 3g protein, 18g carbs, 1g fat.

The carrots and broccoli provide most of the carbohydrates, along with some fibre; the vegetables contribute only a small amount of fat and protein. To balance the plate, serve an age-appropriate portion alongside other suitable foods that provide protein and energy.

Why steam the vegetables?

Steaming cooks the vegetables without immersing them in water, and the method gives you liquid to use when blending. Keep the carrots in the steamer first, as the recipe gives them a head start before adding the broccoli.

Use a steamer basket set securely over boiling water. The water should not touch the vegetables.

Getting the texture right

Very tender vegetables are easier to blend into a smooth purée. Check that a fork goes through both the carrot and broccoli easily before transferring them to the blender.

Add the steaming liquid in the stated amount, then blend until no pieces remain. If the mixture is not yet smooth, blend again rather than changing the ingredient quantities.

Timing the vegetables

Carrots go into the steamer first and cook for 4 minutes. Broccoli is added afterwards for another 8–9 minutes, so both vegetables have time to become very tender.

Cut the broccoli into small florets and slice the carrots into rounds as directed. Similar-sized pieces within each vegetable help them cook evenly.

Choosing the vegetables

Carrots bring sweetness and a soft texture once steamed. Peel them and slice them into rounds so they fit easily in the steamer basket.

Broccoli florets add a more earthy, brassica flavour. Cut them small before steaming so they become tender in the time given.

Serving the purée

This recipe makes one serving and is designed to be blended smooth. Allow the purée to cool to a suitable temperature before serving, and check its texture before offering it.

For a family meal, serve it alongside other age-appropriate foods rather than treating the vegetables as a complete meal. Follow your usual guidance for introducing foods and textures.

Recipe notes & tips

• Cut the broccoli into small florets before steaming.
• Keep the steamer basket above the boiling water rather than letting the vegetables sit in it.
• Start timing the broccoli after adding it to the carrots.
• Check both vegetables with a fork before blending; they should be very tender.
• Add the specified steaming liquid to help the vegetables blend smoothly.
• Let the purée cool before serving and check its temperature.

Variations

• Carrot-led blend: Use the same method and blend thoroughly for a sweeter-tasting purée.
• Broccoli-led blend: Use the same method for a more pronounced earthy flavour.
• Chunkier texture: Blend for less time only if that texture is suitable for the baby.
• Thicker purée: Begin with 3 tablespoons of steaming liquid.
• Smoother purée: Use 4 tablespoons of steaming liquid and blend until even.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Adding broccoli too early: It gets a longer cooking time than intended; add it after the carrots have steamed for 4 minutes.
• Vegetables still firm: They will be harder to purée smoothly; steam until both are very tender.
• Large broccoli pieces: They may cook unevenly; cut the florets small before steaming.
• Too little liquid: The mixture may be difficult to blend; include 3–4 tablespoons of steaming liquid.
• Serving it hot: The purée needs to cool first; check the temperature before offering it.

How to store

Cool promptly, transfer to a clean airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat only the portion needed until hot throughout, then cool it to a suitable temperature and stir well before serving.

Frequently asked questions