Swede Recipes For Baby

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Depending on where you are in the world, you will know this tasty root vegetable as a swede, a Swedish turnip, a rutabaga or a brassica rapa!

Quite a variety of names for a simple vegetable, which is woefully neglected as a source of baby food. Swede is actually a member of the cabbage family and is a cross between a turnip and kale. It is a rich source of vitamin A (from beta-carotene), vitamin C and minerals.

Swede can be included in your baby's diet from 6 months of age (or from 4 months if your doctor recommends introducing solids before 6 months of age). It was actually among the first foods we offered to our little ones!

When choosing a swede, select one that seems heavy for its size, with smooth, unblemished skin.

It can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, steaming, boiling and roasting and it takes a little longer than potatoes to cook. For babies under 6 months, the simplest way to prepare a swede puree is to peel the swede, dice it, then steam the dice until tender. Mash the cooked swede, or puree it in a blender, adding a little breast milk or cooking water to thin it if necessary.


Here are two very healthy and nutritious baby food recipes using swede/rutabaga that your little one will love!


Parsnip and swede cream (6 months+)

1/2 swede (rutabaga), peeled and diced
1 parsnip, peeled and diced
1 carrot, peeled and diced
16 fl oz (2 cups) homemade vegetable stock/broth
2tsp fresh, chopped parsley (optional)

Pour the vegetable stock into a saucepan and bring to the boil.
Add the diced veggies, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 mins, until all the vegetables are tender.
Puree in a blender until smooth.

Variations

You can easily thin or thicken this recipe by adjusting the amount of stock that you use. You can also make it into a yummy vegetable 'pie' by reducing the stock (creating a thicker texture) then making a special 'crust' by adding grated cheese and wheat germ.
Just pop under the grill/broiler until the cheese has melted.
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Gourmet swede surprise (6 months+)

This tasty recipe could be served to your baby as a dip, along with cubes of lightly toasted bread or bagels, or simply given to a younger baby as a wholesome puree, straight from the spoon!

1/2 tbsp olive oil
4 oz (1/2 cup) carrots, chopped
4 oz (1/2 cup) celeriac, chopped
4 oz (1/2 cup) swede, chopped
1/2 turnip, chopped
1 small potato, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped (optional)
4 fl oz (1/2 cup) homemade chicken stock
tiny pinch of ground nutmeg
1 tbsp fromage frais
2tsp chopped chives
pinch freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Heat the oil over a medium heat and add the peeled and chopped vegetables.
Cover and cook for 5 mins, stirring occasionally.
Add the stock and bring to the boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 20-30 mins.
Cool briefly, then puree well.
Add the nutmeg and black pepper, then stir in the fromage frais and top with chives.
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Your baby may also like to try this swede (rutabaga) recipe from our blog

OR...

Try some tasty turnip recipes for tiny diners

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