Today, we’re making a very simple green bean purée for baby. It’s a perfect recipe for introducing green vegetables at the beginning of food diversification: mild, light, easy to digest, and very convenient to prepare ahead of time.
Green beans have a fairly vegetal flavor, but babies usually accept them well when they are thoroughly cooked and finely blended. To get a very smooth texture, the secret is to cook them until they are very tender, then blend them for a long time with a little cooking water.
This green bean purée can be offered from the beginning of food diversification, around 4 to 6 months depending on your pediatrician’s recommendations and your baby’s development. As always, adjust the texture, quantities, and introduction of foods to your own baby.
Ingredients
For about 1 to 2 servings, depending on baby’s age
How to make green bean purée for babies
Start by preparing the green beans.
If using fresh green beans, wash them carefully, then trim off the ends.
If using frozen green beans, there is generally no need to thaw them before cooking. You can cook them directly from frozen.
For a first purée, I recommend choosing extra-fine or very tender green beans, because they will be easier to blend into a very smooth texture!
Cooking the green beans
Steam the green beans for about 15 to 20 minutes, until they are very tender.
You can also cook them in a saucepan with a small amount of water, but steaming helps preserve the flavor, color, and nutrients better!
The green beans should be really well cooked: if you pierce them with a fork, they should mash easily. This is important for getting a soft purée that is suitable for baby.
Blending the green bean purée
Once the green beans are cooked, place them in the blender bowl.
Add a little cooking water if needed, then blend for a long time until you get a very smooth purée.
Green beans can sometimes create a slightly fibrous texture. So don’t hesitate to blend longer than you would for carrot or sweet potato purée.
If the purée is too thick, gradually add a little cooking water.
If it is still a little grainy, keep blending, or pass it through a sieve for a very smooth first purée.
Just before serving, you can add a small teaspoon of oil, such as canola oil or olive oil.
Mix well, then check the temperature before offering the purée to baby.
Enjoy your meal, baby!
What texture should green bean purée have for baby?
Depending on baby’s age, you can adjust it:
- around 4 to 6 months: very smooth purée, optionally passed through a sieve
- around 7 to 8 months: a slightly thicker purée
- after 9 months: a mashed or lightly textured consistency if baby is comfortable with textures
How to mellow the flavor of green bean purée
Green bean purée can have a fairly “green” taste, especially for a first introduction.
To make it milder, you can add:
- a little potato,
- a little sweet potato,
- or a small touch of infant formula/breast milk after cooking.
Potato is especially practical if you want a milder, creamier purée while keeping the main flavor of the green beans.
Storage
In the refrigerator
Green bean purée keeps for about 24 hours in the refrigerator, in an airtight container. Reheat it gently in a double boiler or in the microwave, then mix well to distribute the heat. Always check the temperature before serving.
In the freezer
This purée freezes very well. You can pour it into an ice cube tray or into small baby food containers, then store it for about 2 months in the freezer.
To serve it to baby, let it thaw in the refrigerator or reheat it gently directly, then mix well.
Variations
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can I give green bean purée to my baby?
Green bean purée can generally be offered from the beginning of food diversification, around 4 to 6 months, depending on your pediatrician’s advice and your baby’s development. For a first purée, blend it very finely.
How can I prevent green bean purée from being fibrous?
Choose very tender green beans, cook them long enough, then blend them thoroughly with a little cooking water. For an even smoother texture, you can pass the purée through a sieve.
Can I use frozen green beans for baby?
Yes, frozen green beans work very well for this recipe. They are convenient, already washed, and often easy to cook. Steam them directly without necessarily thawing them first.
Can I mix green beans with potato?
Yes, it’s an excellent idea. Potato makes the purée milder, creamier, and sometimes easier for baby to accept.
Should I add salt to green bean purée for baby?
No, baby purée should not be salted. Vegetables already have their own flavor, and baby gradually discovers natural tastes.
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