Purees 101 - Black Beans • Simple Gray T-Shirt

Pureed black beans in a small glass jar with a wedge of lime. Black beans next to the jar on the table.

First, let me apologize, these might not be the most appetizing pictures you see this week, but trust me, this one is good!

Let's be honest, a pile of black beans, pureed, and heaped in a bowl isn't much to look at...

But they sure taste good!

Black beans and cumin are a great combination to start introducing spices to a little ones palates. Cumin is mild, earthy, and adds another note to the black beans (which are a great first finger food on their own).

black bean in a bowl with a wedge of lime and teaspoon of cumin.

Black beans from the can are soft and small enough for a great first finger food and delicious on their own. Add the cumin, a pinch of salt, and a squeeze of lime and it they are off on a whole new level!

Who is this puree good for?

Everyone!

For really new eaters I like to make this puree super smooth. Serving this with mango puree, and avocado puree makes for a really nice combination. I really like giving little kiddos a variety of flavors together that they might see again in other foods or other meals.

As the kiddos get older, I leave the black bean puree a little bit chunkier and my husband and I like to use it as a dip. To really round out the flavors, I start adding the garlic powder the puree as the kids get a bit older. It's when this pure really turns into a dip.

Pureed black beans in a small glass jar. Whole black beans and lime slices on the table.

EVERYONE wins with this simple puree!

And best of all, this is puree never goes out of "style". I still whip it up as a great dip for the kids. That can be made in less than 3 minutes is a real mom win.

Having a party? Serve with salsa, avocado puree and chips/veggies and you've got your healthy snacks taken care for the whole crew. (If you are coming to my house this summer, don't be surprised when you see this on the table).

I hope you enjoy this super simple and delicious black bean puree.

Recipe:

½ teaspoon cumin
15oz can of black beans, rinsed
½ cup water
¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Squeeze of lime (optional)

Directions:

black beans, cumin and salt in a blender ready to be pureed.

Add everything to a high speed blender (you know I love my Vitamix) and puree to desired texture. Alternatively mash up really well with a fork.
Serve with a squeeze of lime.

This puree can be frozen, but when defrosted might need a few drops of water to get it to the right consistency.

Simple as your favorite gray tshirt, right?