It’s sweater season, and it’s a great time to introduce your toddler to fall flavors and vegetables. Here are 10 healthy and delicious (and easy) fall recipes for babies and toddlers:
1. Pumpkin Oatmeal:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup oats
- 1 cup water or breast milk/formula
- Dash of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine pumpkin puree, oats, and water/milk in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat until oats are tender and mixture thickens.
- Stir in cinnamon, if desired, and let it cool before serving.
2. Butternut Squash and Apple Puree:
Ingredients:
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced
- 1 apple, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 cup water or vegetable broth
Instructions:
- Steam or boil butternut squash and apple until tender.
- Transfer to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth, adding water or broth as needed for desired consistency.
3. Sweet Potato and Chicken Stew:
Ingredients:
- 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
- In a pot, combine sweet potato, chicken, carrots, peas, and chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender.
- Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
4. Apple Cinnamon Pancakes:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup applesauce
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, applesauce, milk, cinnamon, baking powder, and egg.
- Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and pour small amounts of the batter to form pancakes.
- Cook until bubbles appear on the surface, then flip and cook the other side.
- Let them cool before serving.
5. Carrot and Ginger Soup:
Ingredients:
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 inch fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 1 cup vegetable broth
Instructions:
- Steam or boil carrots until soft.
- In a blender, combine carrots, ginger, and vegetable broth.
- Puree until smooth, adding more broth if necessary.
- Warm the soup before serving.
6. Spinach and Cheese Mini Muffins:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup spinach, cooked and chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
- In a bowl, combine spinach, cheese, flour, baking powder, milk, and egg.
- Mix until well combined.
- Spoon the mixture into the mini muffin tin and bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow them to cool before serving.
7. Pumpkin and Banana Smoothie:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup milk
- Dash of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine pumpkin puree, banana, yogurt, milk, and nutmeg in a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Serve immediately.
8. Quinoa and Vegetable Stir-Fry:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/4 cup mixed vegetables (peas, corn, carrots, bell peppers, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the mixed vegetables and sauté until tender.
- Stir in the cooked quinoa and soy sauce (if using) and cook for another minute or two.
- Allow it to cool before serving.
9. Maple Glazed Salmon:
Ingredients:
- 1 small salmon fillet
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, and lemon juice.
- Place the salmon fillet on the prepared baking sheet and brush the glaze over the top.
- Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through.
- Let it cool before serving.
10. Apple and Cinnamon Quinoa Porridge:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1/2 cup water or apple juice
- 1/2 apple, peeled, cored, and grated
- Dash of cinnamon
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine quinoa, water/apple juice, grated apple, and cinnamon.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until quinoa is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Allow it to cool before serving.
Remember to adjust the portion sizes and textures according to your child's age and eating abilities.
