Short description

A smooth, vibrant, and nutritious puree crafted from a medley of garden-fresh vegetables. Perfect for toddlers, individuals with chewing difficulties, or as a versatile base for soups, sauces, or side dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This mixed vegetable puree offers a delightful blend of flavors and nutrients. It is naturally versatile, easily digestible, and customizable. Whether you’re preparing baby food, a side for a meal, or ingredient for other recipes, this puree is wholesome, mild, and satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Carrots, peeled and chopped
Potatoes, peeled and cubed
Peas, fresh or frozen
Cauliflower florets
Green beans, trimmed and cut
Olive oil or unsalted butter (optional)
Salt (optional, to taste)
Water or low‑sodium vegetable broth

Directions

Thoroughly wash, peel, and chop all vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
In a large saucepan or pot, add the vegetables and just enough water or low‑sodium broth to cover them.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook until all vegetables are tender, about 15–20 minutes.
Drain, reserving some cooking liquid if needed for texture.
Transfer the softened vegetables into a blender or food processor.
Purée until completely smooth, adding reserved cooking liquid gradually until desired consistency is reached.
For a silkier texture and a touch of richness, blend in a small amount of olive oil or unsalted butter if desired.
Season with salt if appropriate. Purée again briefly to combine.

Servings and timing

Makes approximately 4 cups of puree, enough for 4–6 servings depending on portion size.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: about 30 minutes

Variations

Sweet potato and carrot puree: Replace potatoes and peas with sweet potato and additional carrots for a sweeter flavor.
Broccoli-pea blend: Substitute cauliflower with broccoli florets for a greener version.
Creamy herb-infused: Add a small handful of fresh herbs like parsley or dill before blending.
Dairy-enriched: Stir in a small amount of plain full‑fat yogurt or cooked milk (if suitable) for extra creaminess.
Spiced variation: For older children or adults, add a pinch of mild spices such as cumin or nutmeg during cooking.

Storage/reheating

Storage: Transfer the cooled puree into airtight containers. Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze in single‑serve portions for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge or gently in a warm water bath. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave on low power, stirring occasionally. If needed, stir in a little water or broth to adjust consistency. Ensure the puree is heated through evenly before serving.

FAQs

1. What vegetables are best for puree?

Root vegetables (carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes), peas, cauliflower, and green beans work well because they become tender when cooked and blend smoothly.

2. Can I add dairy to the puree?

Yes. Once cooled slightly, you can stir in butter, olive oil, plain yogurt, or even a splash of milk to add creaminess and flavor.

3. How do I make the puree suitable for babies?

Cook the vegetables without added salt or spices. Blend very thoroughly to ensure a smooth texture. Use breastmilk or formula to thin if desired.

4. Is it okay to freeze the puree?

Absolutely. Freeze in single‑serve containers or ice cube trays for convenient thawing. Use within three months for best quality.

5. Thawing tips for frozen puree?

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or gently by placing the sealed container in warm water. Avoid microwave defrost settings if possible to preserve texture.

6. Can I adjust the consistency?

Yes, simply add small amounts of cooking water, broth, or suitable milk/replacement during blending to achieve your preferred texture.

7. How to avoid a watery puree?

Drain vegetables well after cooking but reserve small amounts of liquid to control consistency. Blend gradually until smooth but not overly diluted.

8. Are there any allergy concerns?

This recipe is naturally free of common allergens like dairy or gluten unless you add them during seasoning. Always verify any added ingredients if serving someone with allergies.

9. Can I add herbs or spices?

Yes—mild herbs like parsley or basil work well. For older children and adults, spices like cumin, nutmeg, or mild paprika may enhance flavor.

10. How long does it last once opened from the fridge?

Use refrigerated portions within three days. If any off‑smell or mold appears, discard immediately.

Conclusion

This mixed vegetable puree is simple, nutritious, and endlessly adaptable. Whether used as baby food, a comforting meal base, or a creative ingredient in other dishes, it can easily fit into a variety of dietary preferences and needs. Customize it with herbs, spices, or different vegetables to make it your own—and enjoy the wholesome flavor and convenience it delivers