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This avocado puree is simple, healthy, delicious and is a great first food to introduce to your baby!
Great introduction to solids
Now, I’ve only met a few adults in my life who don’t like avocados. However, I haven't met a baby yet who doesn't love it! This avocado puree takes the simple avocado and jazz’s it up at bit with the addition of fresh lime juice.
The buttery, smooth texture of a perfectly ripe avocado, mashed well, is easy for babies to eat and full of great nutrients for them. Full of healthy fats and fiber, they are also a great source of Vitamin C.
Ingredients
- Avocado: Be sure to use a very ripe avocado so it’s easy to mash to the right texture for your baby.
- Lime: look for bright green limes that seem fresh. The juicier the better.
Step by Step Instructions
Cut the avocado in half and carefully remove the pit.
Scoop the avocado from the skin and put it into a bowl.
Mash the avocado to the desired consistency. For a chunkier texture just mash with a fork. For a creamy avocado puree, toss the avocado into the blender. To make the creamy puree even thinner, you can add either a tablespoon of breast milk or formula.
Add a squeeze of lime juice to the puree to help prevent browning and serve.
The best way to cut an avocado
While wearing a cutting glove for safety, hold the avocado with the long side in the palm of your hand. Slice lengthwise around the entire perimeter of the avocado all the way through to the pit.
Then with both hands twist and pull the two sides apart. The pit will typically remain stuck in one side of the avocado.
To safely remove the pit, press with your thumbs on the skin side and gently push until the pit pops out. This is much safer than the way you see chefs on TV do it (whacking a knife against the pit until it grabs and then twisting). Alternatively, you can scoop it out with a spoon.
FAQ
You want to look for an avocado with dark green skin that has a little give when you press on it. The avocado should not look dried out, but you do want it soft enough that it will mash easily. I talk more about picking a perfect avocado here.
Avocados are a great first food to introduce babies. By around 6 months old you can start to introduce solid foods to your baby and the benefits of starting with avocado are great. They are nutrient dense and easy to prepare.
Google says that guacamole is “a dish of mashed avocado mixed with chopped onion, tomatoes, chili peppers, and seasoning”. And that a puree is "a smooth, creamy substance made of liquidized or crushed fruit or vegetables". I like to think of this recipe as a simplified guacamole for babies 🙂
I find that two things help me achieve that without turning on my blender (or having to clean it when I'm done).
First, start with a perfectly ripe avocado. It will mash up easier than one that's not quite ready. Second, keep mashing with your fork until all the avocado chunks are broken up, then switch to stirring with your fork. You'll get a smooth avocado puree every time.
Alternatively you can also use a mortar and pestle like this one and let your big kids help out!
Using and storing leftovers
Store any leftover puree by pressing a piece of plastic wrap directly on top of the puree. Use your fingers to press all the air out of it. This will keep your avocado from turning brown. From there you can easily pop into the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze into cubes to use at a later date.
I like to use silicone ice cube trays anytime I’m freezing purees for babies. Pop one or two cubes out and defrost on the counter or carefully in the microwave when you are ready to use them.
The leftovers of this puree are also a great base for lots of recipes.
- Add a few ingredients (or a few tablespoons of salsa) and make quick and easy guacamole.
- Add some spice and spread it on your favorite crusty bread for an easy avocado toast.
- Pop the frozen avocado cubes into your favorite smoothie.
- The kiddos use it as a dip for chips and paired with corn salsa it's great for adults too!
What to serve with avocado puree for babies
- Fruits: Banana, Mango
- Vegetables: Broccoli, Butternut Squash, Black Beans, Green Pea, Sweet Potato
- Grains: Quinoa, Rice
- Proteins: Greek Yogurt, Scrambled Eggs,
- Delicious Combinations: Here are a few combinations of purees that make a great meal for your baby as they get older.
- Avocado, Sweet Potato, Black Bean
- Kiwi, Pear, Avocado
- Mango, Black Bean, Avocado
An Expert Tip
When working with citrus like lemons or limes, roll them between your hand and the counter a few times, pressing down gently as you roll. The pressure helps release some of the juice, make it easier to squeeze and get every bit of fresh juice out of the fruit when you need it.
Did you try this recipe and and love it? 😍 Let me know by leaving a comment below or 5 ⭐ rating!
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📖 Recipe
Avocado Puree (Homemade Baby Food)
Equipment
- Vitamix or other high speed blender optional
- mortar and pestel optional
Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 juicy lime (squeeze to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cut the avocado in half and carefully remove the pit.
- Scoop the avocado from the skin and put it into a bowl.
- Mash the avocado to the desired consistency. For a chunkier texture just mash with a fork. For a creamy avocado puree, toss the avocado into the blender. To make the creamy puree even thinner, you can add either a tablespoon of breast milk or formula.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice to the puree to help prevent browning and serve.
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