Baby and toddler recipes

🎃 Butternut squash and thyme smooth purée

Roasted butternut squash blended with a hint of fresh thyme for a sweet, velvety first purée. Roasting deepens the flavour and squash is a good source of vitamin A for healthy skin and eyes.

From 6 monthsPrep 10 minCook 30 minFreezes wellNone of the 14 major allergens

Makes about 10 ice cube portions

Ingredients

  • half a small squash (about 400g) Butternut squash (peeled, deseeded, cubed)
  • 2 small sprigs Thyme (leaves only)
  • 1 tsp Olive oil
  • 3 to 5 tbsp water, breast milk or formula to loosen

Method

  1. Heat the oven to 200C (180C fan). Toss the squash with the olive oil and thyme leaves on a lined tray.
  2. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once, until very soft and lightly golden at the edges.
  3. Blend until smooth, adding liquid a spoonful at a time.
  4. Cool to warm, then serve on a spoon.

Serving it to your baby

Thyme is a gentle way to introduce herbs from the start. As baby progresses, mash the roasted squash with a fork instead of blending, or cut roasted pieces into finger-length strips to hold.

For the rest of the family

Roast a whole squash: blend baby's share and turn the rest into a soup or a side with chilli flakes and seasoning for adults.

Storing and reheating

Cool quickly (within an hour), then keep in a covered container in the fridge for up to 2 days, or freeze in ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight, reheat until steaming hot all the way through, stir, then cool to warm before serving. Never reheat more than once.

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Questions parents ask

Can babies have herbs at 6 months?

Yes. Small amounts of fresh or dried herbs are fine from around 6 months and are a great way to build interest in flavour without salt.

Can I use frozen butternut squash?

Yes. Frozen chunks are already prepared and work well. Roast or steam from frozen until very soft before blending.

OBubba gives general information based on UK guidance. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Every baby is different. If your baby has a known allergy, severe eczema or a medical condition, speak to your doctor or health visitor before starting solids. Learn baby first aid, and in an emergency call your local emergency number (999 in the UK).